ALEX Salmond has dismissed fears that an independent Scotland could disrupt the peace process in Northern Ireland.
The SNP leader said former Northern Ireland first minister David Trimble's concerns about an independent Scotland had been misrepresented by some as a warning about potential disruption.
Mr Salmond said: "I saw that argument run in a statement from David Trimble and then about 10 minutes later I saw David appear on the radio saying of course that what he was actually arguing is that you can make argument to the contrary. "That an exemplar of peaceful change might provide a good example for all societies, not just Northern Ireland, of how substantial constitutional change can be achieved in a peaceful consented process."
Speaking at a pro-independence rally in Edinburgh, Mr Salmond added: "I think Ireland has demonstrated in many areas that it itself is a strong competitor of its economy. "I think competition is a good thing in terms of generating more economic activity. "The Republic of Ireland is an economy in substantial recovery, and I am quite certain that we will be close friends and colleagues, and occasionally in competition.
"I think one of the most interesting examples of the No campaign blundering is that last week they paid a visit to Tennent's brewery making the case that British companies, as they put it, employ so many people in Scotland. "I wasn't sure about the argument they were making anyway, but of course Tennent's is owned by a company based and located in the Irish Republic. "I think their mistakes are one of the reasons why we are winning." Mr Salmond also dismissed fears that Standard Life is preparing to leave an independent Scotland as "nonsense" and "scaremongering".
The pensions and insurance giant issued a statement yesterday advising investors that it is "planning for new regulated companies in England to which we could transfer parts of our business if there was a need to do so".
When asked if Standard Life is preparing to pull out of Scotland, Mr Salmond said: "I think that is nonsense, and I'll tell you why. "On the way here I came past St Andrew Square, and in the corner you will find a substantial new office block being developed. Now I think it's a £90 million development which is being financed by Standard Life Investments. "That doesn't look like the actions of a company that has any intentions whatsoever of pulling out of Scotland."
* ON MESSAGE : A call for a Yes vote on the Blackmountain in west Belfast PICTURE: Mal McCann
* EXAMPLE: Alex Salmond campaigning in Edinburgh yesterday