PEOPLE watching Alex Salmond's evidence to the Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government's mishandling of complaints against him have been giving their views on his performance. Leading journalists were impressed with the former First Minister's answers, but among Yes supporters and SNP members and politicians opinion was more divided. Lesley Riddoch, the The National's columnist and independence activist, gave the following assessment of Salmond's opening statement: "Alex Salmond makes powerful opening statement at Holyrood Inquiry. Says there’s no evidence Scottish democracy is rotten. Problem in every department is the leadership not the foot soldiers. Suggests after this event he will walk away and let others consider their positions," she wrote on Twitter.