Trump takes swipe at Salmond
Taking a swing: Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack against Aberdeenshire East MSP and First Minister, Alex Salmond
Donald Trump has launched an extraordinary attack on First Minister Alex Salmond, claiming that the Aberdeenshire East MSP had done “more damage to Scotland than virtually any event in Scotland’s history.”
The tycoon, who is set to complete his Menie Links golf course in July, signalled his intent to Mr Salmond to fight offshore wind developments by allocating ‘substantial’ funds towards an ‘international campaign’ to fight plans “to surround Scotland’s coast with many thousands of wind turbines.” With work on his hotel and housing postponed, Mr Trump is keen to suggest that these developments would be in jeopardy were the wind development to go ahead.
Mr Salmond declined to comment on Mr Trump’s letter. However, in a prior television interview, the First Minister indicated his continued support for offshore renewables, saying: “As we re-industrialise this nation then, eventually, just about everybody will get on board – even Donald Trump”.
Following Mr Trump’s attack, Mr Salmond received support from opposition politicians. Describing the missive as an “extraordinary letter to send to the First Minister or anyone else”, East Garioch Councillor Martin Ford said: “We have become used to absurd, exaggerated and downright untrue claims from Donald Trump, but this letter is an over-the-top rant even by his standards.”
Scottish Lib Dem leader Wilie Rennie said: “This letter is a rather desperate attempt by a rich man who is used to getting his own way, but his latest tizzy is embarrassing. Instead of the world laughing at Scotland, Scotland is laughing at Mr Trump.
“I would urge the First Minister to listen to Mr Trump but no more, and no less than anyone else. We won’t be bullied by Mr Trump and his millions.”
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Weather for Ellon
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
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