A dreich Tuesday at Glasgow Uni Library - student issues
Spent a few hours today getting absolutely soaked speaking to students outside the Glasgow Uni library. Some nice cake from the student theatre group.. said hi to the Christian Union Stall and chatted to a physicist. Must say it was much drier last Friday when I was last leafleting there. Somewhat disappointingly I haven't heard about any student hustings being held for the constituency this year. Not sure why not - certainly the Students Association have run one in the past.
Quite a few people were stopping and asking for more material - I think generally students are more switched on to politics than other politicians think. In terms of policy positions: student grants, affordable warm housing, adequate public transport (not just the routes which the bus companies make money out of) as well as more global issues (international justice, climate change) we seem to be in tune with them. I was reading the Students Association manifesto and agreed with everything they're covering. The mention of sexual health services reminds me, I've still a pile of emails to work through asking about our views - well, in case you're interested, as a doctor it's hardly surprising I think that good public health prevention work, good sex education, good access to GUM services and good support for treatment are all vital and shouldn't be ignored because of some misplaced moral panic.
Candidate-watch:
Spotted Tommy briefly sweeping past to address a group with old fashioned megaphone politics. Couldn't make out what he was saying where I was - the rain was tipping down - but one of his supporters told me afterwards it was all the usual. He wasn't around for long - perhaps preparing for his big show tomorrow. Pauline McNeill wandered past on her own and incognito. She was on her way to find some local Labour councillors. We had a brief chat. She didn't look hugely relaxed so I told her I thought that she was probably still going to get elected... but that Sandra White had mentioned SNP were targeting Scotstoun. Pauline seemed surprised. We discussed materials coming through doors and then she went on her way.