Reply to Highlander.
Most political leaders have their wives by their sides at important occasions, nowadays it seems to be the done thing and also a political tool to gain votes to have an wife and possible children at your side. Lots of people I speak to think Mr Salmond seems sometimes a lonely character without a partner, particularly at social events he is invited along to. The general opinion is she keeps in the background now because of the difference in their ages. This is not my opinion but one I have heard so many times locally.
A few years ago he resigned from the leadership to spend more time at home as his wife was getting on in years, but the pull of power was too strong for him and he just had to return.
