Firebrand politician George Galloway and Scottish journalist Iain Macwhirter have entered the race for Edinburgh University Rector.
Firebrand politician George Galloway and Scottish journalist Iain Macwhirter have entered the race for Edinburgh University Rector. They will take on Lothians MSP George Foulkes for the prestigious role, which will have one of the men chair the University’s court.
The news comes after the University’s Conservatives revealed they will not be running a candidate in the February elections, ending speculation that they would field TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson or former Shadow Home Secretary David Davis as a candidate.
Galloway's entry into the election took many observers by surprise, and it is believed he does not currently have the support of any of the University's societies or political parties.
Macwhirter, a prominent journalist known for his work in covering Scottish politics, announced his candidacy last week after Labour MSP Foulkes began his campaign before Christmas.
Editor’s note: This week’s Student print edition went to press a matter of hours before the news of Galloway’s campaign broke, and as such does not cover the candidacy of the Bethnal Green and Bow MP. More election news to follow on www.studentnewspaper.org!
Stuart McAlpine (78.148.14.xxx) 2009-01-14 19:43:50
George Galloway?
well that braught a smile to my face. i can see the appeal, students can definately register with his constant che guevara quotes and his iron-fisted journalism. But honestly, can someone who addresses people as 'comrade' or 'brother' be taken seriously? even as a humble simpleton, the people who he supposedly stands up for could tell you that from watching celebrity big brother a few years ago that the man simply tries too much. He tries too much, desperately, to be someone and something that he obviously is not. Like with Jerremy Clarkson i find myself picking daisy petals: I like him, i like him not. I like him, i like him not.
Mike Williamson (92.236.27.xxx) 2009-01-15 19:02:09
Well this looks like a no-brainer. On one hand we have George Galloway, ridiculous champagne socialist, creationist Christian (not sure how those two fit together in his head) and seemingly a personal friend of Saddam Hussein, a public joke of Biblical proportions. On the other we have George Faulkes, faithful member of the Labour herd of zombies who's voted in favour of the War in Iraq, top-up fees and identity cards (clearly he can identify with the student population, then). The only tenable choice appears to be Iain Wotshisface.
My vote certainly will not be going to Labour MSP Foulkes. Galloway has said that the collapse of the Soviet Union was the "biggest catastrophe" in his life. Millions of people in FSU countries would disagree (some would not). I think my vote will be going to Macwhirter.
Stuart, you are right- George does try hard, but I dont think that is a bad thing!
However, I think its important to remember that we really need somebody with a high profile for the role- it gives a great oportunity to promote the Uni across the country and across the world. A vote for Galloway sends a strong signal out that the Isreali attacks against civilian areas, UN compounds and refugee zones is an unnacceptable breach of international law. Its not just a flawed, but a dangerous policy, and will make the region more unsafe in the long run. As students, we can follow in along tradition of rectors and chancellors in Scotland like Nelson Mandela, and Mordechai Vanunu.
Equally however, as George said today, 'education is an investment, not an expense', and having not had the opportunity to go to Uni himself, he is very keen that nobody should be denied the best education this country can provide, and no student should have...
Mike Williamson (92.236.27.xxx) 2009-01-18 03:42:54
Forgive my drunked 4am antics, Jack, but I fail to see how it's more important to vote for someone with a high profile (not sure Celebrity Big Brother counts as that), rather than someone with whose policies (and to a certain extent personality) you agree with. I also don't see what a university rectorial election has to do with the conflict in Gaza, much less what Galloway has to do with Mandela and Vanunu.
Neither do I understand the comment about education being an investment to be a positive one. Surely this comment justifies higher fees for education if he thinks graduates will reap the rewards later. Rose-tinted glasses, man.
I agree with Mike- surely it would send out a better message to vote for someone on the basis of merit, not profile. Especially when George Galloway's resume includes "pretending to be a cat on TV while still getting paid an MP's salary".
Mike- r.e. link to Vanunu and Mandela- both were rectors/chancellors of Scottish Unis whilst in jail. It sends a signal of solidarity to those suffering in oppresive conditions that we, as students, support them. It also sends a signal to their jailors that the world is watching, and does not approve. I think that is important when we have seen over 1000 dead, and 4500 injured Palestinians (mostly children) in the past couple of weeks. You'd be a hard man to call that acceptable collateral!
RE education. George said at his press conference on Saturday in Old College that education is an investment for all of society, and many of the great leaps forward made by humankind have come from within universities. This alone (although there are many other reasons)means that State funding of universities is worthwhile, and should be extended as widely as possible. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT ERECT BARRIERS TO EDUCATION, PARTICULARLY
Mike Williamson (129.215.149.xxx) 2009-01-20 12:48:55
Yes, I'm aware that Vanunu and Mandela were very much supported whilst they were imprisoned, I just fail to see what that has to do with George Galloway and Gaza. If Galloway's elected, I don't imagine the headlines will read "Edinburgh students send signal of solidarity to Gaza victims".
Sure, I'm sure we all agree that state funding for education is essential. What I haven't heard is what he's going to do about it? Iain Macwhirter's been promising a campaign for a £7,000 income guarantee for students.
Jack - I am going to provide you with some links to Galloway's antics that should leave you in no doubt that he is not the right man for the Rectorship (or any other job representing other people's interests). If after thoroughly examining the evidence you still think he is a good candidate because he shouts a lot at anti war protests then I truly fear for you:
Here he mourns for the Soviet Union http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2002/sep/16/iraq.i nterviews
Here he glorifies Hezbollah; Fascist, hates Jews, recruits child soldiers, tries to kill innocent civilians
http://www.hurryupharry.org/2008/07/23/g alloway-glorifies-again/
http://www.hurryupharry.o rg/2008/07/18/dont-let-them-forget/
http://www.unh cr.org/refworld/country,,,QUERYRESPONSE,LBN,4562d8 cf2,4784deec1a,0.html
He works for Press TV which is exclusively funded by Iran. Executes apostates, political dissidents and homosexuals as well as preventing any spontaneous political mobilisation.
http://www.presstv.ir/Programs/#1
ht tp://www.presstv.ir/
ifeanyi matthew (196.36.234.xxx) 2009-01-24 18:36:38
i am male holding west africa examination result but am eager to study in this college, i need to know whats to do here please sir and madamto come over. from nigeria,my fellow student am sorry to write like this its a problem over here that cause this impudent writing of mine please hear me sir and madam also to my fellow students.
your sincerely
matthew
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