The Showdown
OUSU's role in the 21st Century
To provide services for all its students. To be there as a resource for advice and guidance. A proper reliable fall-back position for JCRs.
Campaigning
I won't sit in the office and get focused on issues that only affect a small group. Campaigning is a valid form of protest. It demonstrates coherent thoughts. But I think OUSU's priority has to be the students at the University. Only if students want us to take a line on external issues should we do so.
Leadership skills
I was president of my JCR, and I did that well. I managed a year without any major cock-ups. I changed Hilda's around a bit. That's a good demonstration that I can lead people.
Mistakes
I don't think I've made any big monumental mistakes. I do have ideas that sometimes aren't very good, but they've always been stopped.
Famous inspiration?
Nelson Mandela, because he's got a lot of vision and knew exactly what was going on.
A Central Student Venue?
The expectation is that we'll have a massive campus with 12,000 officers and a mall. I want to take over the licence of a pub for a year. We'll subsidise the pints. If it doesn't work we won't have lost that much.
Which celebs on your exec?
Peter Mandelson for a laugh, Michael Portillo and Billie even though she's got no mates.
Westlife or Spice Girls for No 1
The Spice Girls have got it sorted. Westlife need to mature, they've still got a way to go.
How do you eat a Creme Egg?
Bite the top off, then scoop out the middle with the end of a spoon.
OUSU's role in the 21st Century
Partly service provision, partly welfare based. In terms of the President's role, it's about campaigning. Sometimes we have to fight quite hard for our members.
Campaigning
Obviously student issues will be at the centre. There isn't a clear line between where you can talk about things that are legitimate, and things that are "Political" and out of bounds. We should campaign on what our members want us to.
Leadership skills
I've got leadership skills in terms of campaigning. I haven't been a JCR President, but I have been on Exec. There is a place for negotiation, but I'm willing to play a hard hand.
Mistakes
If you're looking for somebody who hasn't made mistakes, then it's not me. There have been a couple of instances. But I have learned from them.
Famous inspiration?
I would model my leadership on the thousands of people who took part in political struggles over the centuries. Some of them became famous, but most of them didn't.
A Central Student Venue?
I think it is a possibility. I want a real student venue with all kinds of resources. I'm not sure if a bar or an OUSU pub by itself is really enough.
Which celebs on your exec?
Sylvia Pankhurst (sufragette and revolutionary socialist), Van Morrison before he got fat, Bill Hicks (politically incorrect US comedian).
Westlife or Spice Girls for No 1
Spice Girls, because I hate boybands.
How do you eat a Creme Egg?
Biting off the top and then nibbling on what's left.
9th Nov 2000