Editorial
We've interviewed both candidates for OUSU President, we've analysed both their manifestos, and, in our opinion, one candidate stands head and shoulders above the other.
Ruth Hunt is the better candidate for four fundamental reasons:
Firstly, the issue of Judgement - a vitally important one for President. Ruth's judgement has never been brought into question and her time as JCR President of St.Hilda's was remarkably successful. Sacha Ismail, on the other hand, has admited that there have been "a couple of instances" where he has "made mistakes." He claims to have "learnt from them", but, if he made the massive mistake of inviting John Tyndall, BNP leader to an OUSU-sponsored Union debate in his first year, and then made the massive mistake of interfering with the Oxford Student a mere two weeks ago, he doesn't seem to be learning very fast. Sacha Ismail's judgement is in question, Ruth Hunt's is not.
Secondly, the issue of Leadership - again a crucial one for President. Ruth Hunt has an impeccable track record as a JCR President. She ably fulfilled one of the most important JCR Presidencies at St.Hida's and has shown that she is a safe pair of hands. Sacha Ismail has no such similar leadership experience. It is true that he has been on the OUSU Executive and has been involved in leading campaigns, but he simply does not have the same experience of leading a team and being a figurehead that Ruth Hunt acquired in her time as St.Hilda's JCR President. The role of OUSU President is not simply about leading campaigns, it is about co-ordinating and liaising with, and representing student views to, the University. In this respect, Ruth Hunt's experience on University Council (the governing body of the University) is invaluable and makes her the natural choice.
Thirdly, the issue of Practical Solutions. Ruth Hunt's idea of turning the perennial quest for a Central Student Venue into a more viable quest for an OUSU-run pub or bar is the most original and practical solution we have heard on this issue. Sacha Ismail still firmly believes that a large central student venue can be found and built. Surely this is no longer a realistic aim. Why should he succeed where so many past OUSU Presidents have failed? Is it really realistic to talk of building a huge "Warwick-Style Union" in the centre of Oxford? Isn't it time that new methods and new ideas were tried rather than simple blind statements of intent? Ruth Hunt has an original and practical idea on this old OUSU chestnut and original and practical ideas are what make good Presidents.
Finally, the issue of Campaigning. This, in theory, is Sacha Ismail's strong point. As a fees protester, he was one of the most high-profile, but he firmly believes that OUSU should be campaigning on issues in the wider world if OUSU Council passes motions on these issues. Surely OUSU should restict itself to what is practical and possible. At a time when some JCRs are debating what use OUSU is to them, a candidate who concentrates entirely on issues directly relevant to Oxford students must seem like the wiser choice. What use is it debating the situation in Sierra Leone when OUSU has difficulty getting its message across to ordinary students here in Oxford? OUSU has to become more open and more concerned about Oxford Students, and for that reason there can only be one real choice - Ruth Hunt.
9th Nov 2000