Students ponder politics

Policies not personalities matter, say the students

The Glasgow Anniesland constituency is home to many of the city's students.

Some 9,000 of them are undertaking full and part-time courses at Anniesland College.

BBC News Online Scotland's Deirdre Kelly spoke to younger members of the community about their thoughts for the by-election on 23 November.

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The college's HNC social science students appear less deferential to the memory of "Donald Dewar the politician" than their senior citizen counterparts.

"He wasn't Scotland's saviour," insisted David Paterson.

The 33-year-old believes the late first minister's "sanctified image" was largely a media creation.

Another, Suzanne Wrae, said there was much hypocrisy following Mr Dewar's death.

Her view: "It is funny to think that Donald Dewar was being heavily criticised following the SQA debacle and then a couple of months later he dies and the tune suddenly changes."

Donald Dewar was just a politician - he wasn't the only one who fought for the Scottish Parliament

David Paterson

David, a Scottish National Party supporter, said the eulogising reminded him of a family bereavement.

"It was a bit like when my grandfather died and everyone was quick to say how great he was, but he was only a bloke.

"And Donald Dewar was just a politician - he wasn't the only one who fought for the Scottish Parliament."

David, Suzanne and their fellow students Marion McGlore and Andrew Gilles differ when it comes to party politics but all agree that policies, not personalities, count when it comes to election time.

Suzanne, 20, who lives in Knightswood, is a Scottish Socialist Party supporter, largely because she believes leader Tommy Sheridan gives sound direction on housing matters.

Going to the polls

She said: "As far as I can see the SSP has a strong view on homelessness. Everyone has a right to have a roof over their heads, it is something I know about because I was homeless."

At the age of 17, Marion misses out this time on the chance to vote - but her parents will be exercising their democratic right at next Thursday's poll and will be backing the SNP.

Anniesland College has about 9,000 students

"When I do have the vote I think I will follow my family and remain with the SNP," she said.

But Marion added: "I'm not desperately unhappy that I won't be voting this time, I don't think having the right to choose a politician will change my world.

"It will probably be a novelty first time, however, I'm not convinced I will go back again and again."

She believes the winners of the contest for MP and MSP should pay close attention to improving housing and public transport in the area.

'Public transport matters'

Young and old in the constituency appear united on the subject of bus services.

Suzanne said: "Public transport is something you just cannot rely on in this area - it would be good to see the new politicians making some improvements."

Andrew sees his immediate future in education which, he said, was the reason he supported the Liberal Democratics.

Marion McGlore: SNP supporter

"I associate the party with putting education at the top of their agenda.

"I'm looking to go to university after my time here so the issue is an important one for me," said Andrew, 18.

David, Suzanne, Marion and Andrew consider themselves politically aware, but they recognise that is not the case for most of their friends.

In Anniesland the level of voting at past elections has reflected the national average.

At the 1997 General Election, 63.8% of the electorate made it to the ballot box.

However, by-elections typically attract a lower turnout.

With just days to go, the politicians are expected to step up their battle for votes including those of the constituency's students.

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The full list of candidates is:

Westminster

• Dorothy Luckhurst, Scottish Conservative

• William Lyden, Family Action Movement

• Charlie McCarthy, Scottish Socialist Party

• Christopher McGinty, Scottish Liberal Democrats

• John Robertson, Scottish Labour

• Grant Thoms, Scottish National Party

Scottish Parliament

• William Butler, Scottish Labour Party

• Thomas Chalmers, SNP

• Judith Fryer, Scottish Liberal Democrats

• Rosie Kane, Scottish Socialist Party

• Kate Pickering, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

• Murdo Ritchie, Socialist Labour Party

• Alastair Whitelaw, Scottish Green Party