BBC NEWS UK Scotland Parties react to Salmond move:
 "TOMMY SHERIDAN, SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER

'Alex Salmond's amazing back flip spotlights the depth of crisis in the SNP leadership and the small pool of talent they possess.
'Four years after walking away from the job, Salmond has been forced either to re-apply or see it slip away from his anointed successor who clearly doesn't have the support to win.
'The two SNP big fish are now in a desperate bid to keep control of the party and net the leadership and deputy leadership.
'As for Kenny MacAskill he now knows what its like to be slapped in the face with a wet fish, in this case a Sturgeon.' "