I will go on a "self denying ordinance" through Glasgow 2014, claims Scottish First Minister

By Nick Butler at the Main Press Centre in Glasgow

First Minister Alex Salmond has insisted he will avoid promoting Scottish Independence for the duration of the Commonwealth Games, in a "self denying ordinance" to best aid his campaign.

With the referendum due on September 18, just two months after the Games, it had initially been thought that they would provide an opportunity to generate publicity and build momentum ahead of the vote.

But it subsequently became clear that this was not the wish of the Scottish public, who would prefer the Games to remain sport-focused, and Salmond has therefore decided to cease his campaigning, and he insisted he is capable of resisting temptation to resume it.

"I'm got a self-denying ordinance to concentrate on the Games over the next few days, that is what the Scottish people want," he said.

"I'm sitting here drinking sugar feel Iron Bru, and this is an example of the discipline I have these days.

"If I can manage sugar free Iron Bru, I can manage a self denying ordinance."

"Obviously, I'll get the odd provocation from George Osborne [British Chancellor of the Exchequer] but George will be back in London tonight, and the rest of us we're all enjoy the Games for the next few days.

"When it is over, we will return to the debate, and I look forward to returning to that, but I will also enjoy focusing on the sport."

This stance will be replicated by the "Better Together" campaign, despite the fact such a large number of British Cabinet Ministers and members of the Royal Family are scheduled to attend.

British Prime Minister David Cameron will attend the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

After arriving into the room for his press briefing here today as a video played hailing Scottish Commonwealth Games successes of the past, Salmond gave a smooth performance, fending off the various provocations about the independence question with relative ease.

In his initial address, he gave a strong overview of the strengths of Scotland, which he sees as a "great place to study and go on holiday, with a thriving economic and cultural life,
complimented by natural beauty".

He also outlined the benefits the Commonwealth Games will bring, portraying it as "a catalyst for investment which is increasing the global profile of the country."

The Commonwealth Games, he insisted, is one of the greatest events on the planet, and that they would continue to attempt to host major sporting events if they do decide to go independent, because this would provide another opportunity to showcase Scotland.

But, he did not directly address the question of whether an independent Scotland would be able to compete in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, other than by saying that it would be funded by the same means the Scottish team was being supported at Glasgow 2014.