The University of Leicester’s free student newspaper
www.the-ripple.co.uk ripple@le.ac.uk @uolripple www.facebook.com/therippleleicester Issue Nine
Semester Two
19th February - 2nd March
Big Topics In The Big Debate
Last night NUS President Toni Pearce chaired the Student Union Elections Hustings to a packed audience in the Rattray Lecture Theatre. The debate opened with the Education candidates. With all six candidates present the debate quickly focused on the idea of ’value for money’. Candidates primarily expressed their views on how students should approach the on-going pay dispute between University Management and Staff. Toni Pearce commented that the Education debate was the most “existential”.
In this issue... Features
Opinion
Culture
Lifestyle
Following this the Engagement debate, though shortest by far, became the most heated of the night. The only two candidates, Katrina King and Sean Kelly-Walsh, both argued for different approaches to the role. The question of cliques dominating Union Council was asked by The Ripple with both candidates agreeing more needed to be done to address the issue. Tensions leading up to the debate in the Experience category were largely unrealised as the topics of welfare and activities dominated the discussion. Women’s Officer Rachel Hol-
What’s On
land also asked the candidates about the provision of welfare for liberation groups. Candidate Duane Thompson has dropped out of the elections. Finally, the Presidential Debate got underway. All candidates fundamentally disagreed as to how aggressive the President should be when negotiating with the new Vice Chancellor. There was also spirited debate as to the role of the NUS in student life with Toni Pearce coming under fire from some candidates. More election coverage can be found at www.the-ripple.com
Sport
Why You Homophobia Comedy Poundland Alternative Football Varsity on Campus Should Vote Duo Review Bargains Nightlife Controversy