John McDonald

Presidential candidate

I am a student standing for President of the Students Association, interested in giving rebirth to student social activity, at the expense of intellectual wanking. I am an alternative to the 'clique' who for the past year or so, have controlled internal politics and finance. Hopefully the majority can once again control decision-making for the student body.

My reasons for standing for President are numerous. Firstly, I am tired with the constant attacks by left-wing extremists alleging that most students are apathetic and not interested in student affairs; this is incorrect, students are interested but resent having to express their opinion through Maoist or socialist representatives.

Secondly, I object to a 'clique' carrying so little student support controlling the Students Association, many of whom are using their posts to expound extreme left-wing views. Thirdly, it concerns me that the present executive have spent too much time on arguing the virtues of the far left and not enough time catering for the desires of students in general.

The past year has shown that the Students' Association has been tightly controlled by a group of extremists who have little interest for the students in general. They have in their attempt to destroy Capping done away with the social activities of Capping—was this a reflection of student opinion? If not why has this sort of activity been abolished?

Dissatisfaction is rife in the university—it comes from many neglected quarters. There is a concern by many students that secrecy as to the goings on of the Students Association is a practice of the Students Association. There is some truth in this, I believe every student should if desired have the right to know. Student Association activities and decisions will be published in Salient weekly.

If I am elected President I will inherit the problems associated with the cafeteria. I will look at evidence of different groups and decide which is the best way to improve the cafeteria; after a series of public forums on the problem will have been held.

Basically I am an alternative to the various left wing candidates, personally I am liberal-moderate in my political out-look. This is immaterial if elected, for not as one of my opponents wrote: "Most students do not vole; I do not represent them or their interests. Such students are representative of an ignorance and selfishness that imagines......"—Don Carson. For on becoming President I will represent all students.

I believe that all clubs at this university should have the right to use facilities of the university free of charge. If and when the Sports Council takes the licence with the City Council they will be asked by the Sports Officer to allow all groups within the university to have free access for functions, provided the group is responsible.

Finally I ask you to record the words of Abraham Lincoln—a President should be "from the people" a reflection of public opinion within the society from which he comes; "for the people" once elected representing all those he is President for "by the people" without a positive vote from you the above will become invalid I ask each and everyone of you for your vote.