Voice of Reason

NOTE: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Editor or Imperial College Union. Come to think of it, they may not even be the views of the author, it would seem.

Having just got the biggy out the way, a further raft of elections has descended upon us, namely the Conservative leadership contest and the ICU equivalent. One of these is of direct relevance to students at Imperial, and the other one will pick the Union President. As for the former, most of the news has been taken up by the unprecedented spat between Anne Widdecombe and Michael Howard. It is true to say that this is precisely what the Party wished to avoid, despite the unquestioned amusement value of ‘Doris Karloff’ describing Howard as having ‘something of the night about him’, but I must confess that the end result will probably be beneficial. Make no mistake, Michael Howard is an adept politician, a point that even his most ardent opponents would endorse. The problem is that he is deeply unpopular with the British people, and consequently would consign the Conservatives to a hefty stretch in opposition. What is needed is a popular, but not necessarily populist, leader. Principle is often sacrificed at the altar of populism, as has been witnessed in New Labour (though you can’t argue with their election strategy!). Moreover, the party needs a uniting leader. Given the shift in the party on Europe, one would conclude that a ‘right-winger’ was needed, eliminating Ken Clarke. This left-right Europe divide is immensely damaging. Not for the reason you would expect me to say, but from the standpoint that if you are on the left-wing of the Conservative Party you must be a rampant federalist, contrasted with the right where nothing short of leaving the EU will do, or so people say. Both are, of course, ludicrous propositions. The European issue should not divide Tories into two wings. One Nation Toryism is not in principle against defending British sovereignty, for example. An acknowledgement of the value of the Single Market with a scepticism of relentless harmonisation and integration for their own sakes should unite all the party, not bitterly divide it. That said the split is much less evenly balanced than before the election. Taking all that into account, my money’s on William Hague.

The other election will have been decided by the time that you read this, which is why I can say what I am about to. After the stunning victory of New Election last time, only one candidate dared to face this fearsome opponent. Other commitments prevented me from attending the hustings, but last week’s cover story and Andrew Dorman-Smith’s characteristically excellent interview tell us enough to be going on with. My conclusion? God help us. Previous candidates at least had the decency not to believe in their crazy platforms (such as the brothel proposal), but this has the smack of sincerity. As for the actual manifesto, the constant change and evasion makes Tony Blair look positively intransigent. Furthermore, saying that you are not in a position to understand fully your principal campaign pledge is laudably honest but displays an aptitude for own-foot target shooting previously only seen in Sherfield. One point did shine through, which could go down well with the powers that be. Our candidate’s stance on the medical schools exactly mirrors the College management strategy, namely give ‘em whatever they want. At a time when there is a genuine fear that the ‘old’ College will very much play second fiddle to the new medical boys and girls, we have a Union Presidential candidate, who clearly feels the same way. If Sherfield feared Union trouble-making over the mergers, their prayers may well have been answered. Then again, New Election could make it two on the trot. I, however, do not predict election outcomes.

And finally, let us join together and wish my old sparring partner Ian Caldwell a happy 43rd birthday. Though 43 is not one of the big landmarks, like 40, it is most definitely worth celebrating in style. Come to think of it Ian, if you’re looking to hold a big party, I have just the venue..