Morys Ireland's diary

Those students who were here last year and took an interest in last year's elections might notice striking similarities between the 2007 manifesto of the current Education & Representation Officer, Andrew Machin (now running for President), and that of  his friend Matt Pritchard a candidate standing for Ed & Rep this time round. Of course there's nothing wrong with sharing common values and looking to expand upon existing achievements, but that doesn't have to mean using 'copy & paste' to make your manifesto... 

So then, lets play a quick game of 'spot the difference!' - 

Andy -  "The ‘university experience’ comes from a balanced mixture of enjoyment, hard work and knowing that when you are in trouble, there is a support system that is guaranteed to help you through."
Matt - "I believe this [university] experience comes from a balanced mixture of enjoying your spare time, knowing when to work hard and know that if you do run into problems, there is a support structure to give you the best help and advice available."

Andy -  "A way of incorporating both one-to-one contact and larger meetings would be ideal."
Matt - "It is important to understand the advantages of both 1-to-1 and group meetings..."

Andy - "After sitting on several disciplinary panels this year I believe that the Union must have strict policy’s concerning; Drugs Fighting and Racism."
Matt - "Having sat on numerous disciplinary panels throughout my University life I think the Union should: Continue the no tolerance policies. No fighting. No racism of any type"

Andy - "The course would be – ‘An introduction to Snakebite and Flip-flops’, with field trips taking place on a Wednesday night as it is very important that Freshers get to grips with this way of life..."
Matt - "The course I would invent would be "Making friends and socialising" This course would mean many trips out to the many social hotspots Portsmouth has to offer with special reference to the Union on a Wednesday night which is where a lot of your friends will be made!!" 

Andy -  "Problems: I solve them"
Matt - "Problems: Solved"

I wonder if Matt intends to stand up for students who have been accused of plagiarism if he is elected? This seems to be an area in which he has some personal experience...