The SNP leader was asked if losing the Green party from government means he can get on with the overdue promise to build the dual carriageway between Aberdeen and Inverness.
Three MPs tell our politics podcast how the case could be raised at Westminster and Holyrood, in the hope of turning the screw on the Financial Conduct Authority.
Candidates are being revealed for contests in SNP held seats such as Aberdeen North – while Mr Salmond holds back for a Scottish parliament comeback bid.