Sabbatical debate: presidential nominees go head to head

The candidates for the position of Association President kicked off the SABB debate this evening by outlining their key policies and demonstrating their experience for the job. Pat Mathewson, David Patterson and Noah Ohringer then faced a volley of questions from the large student audience in Venue 1. Despite some cringe-worthy comments like “hashtag Glasgow”, and the over prepared ‘sound bite’ speeches, the evening allowed the audience to grill the three candidates on their policies and character.

The questions from the audience showed the key concerns of St Andrews students ranging from issues regarding accommodation, widening student access and the candidates’ suitability for the job of President.

During the course of the debate it was clear that both David Patterson and Pat Mathewson have great experience in working with the Union, heading Committees and working alongside University management. Meanwhile, Noah Ohringer, whilst not having much experience with University management showed great enthusiasm and eagerness to tackle the problems of students.

A question on the accommodation crisis in St Andrews caused the biggest stir of the evening leading to an intense debate between Pat Mathewson and David Patterson. Mathewson attempted to use basic economic theory of ‘demand and supply’ to argue for more new housing which is suitable and affordable to students. However, Patterson rebutted this by arguing that Fife Council have already passed legislation preventing any new housing being built in St Andrews and instead argued for ‘workshops’ to educate new students about the letting process.

Finally all three candidates realized the importance of widening access to the University for underprivileged students, quoting that only 14 of a potential 34 poorer students accepted a place at St Andrews due to the ‘hidden costs’ of living here.

Although not a particularly fiery SABB debate, it allowed the audience to see the candidates whose campaigns have been flooding our newsfeeds over the last week. It also gave the audience the opportunity to directly scrutinize the candidates’ policies and experience in the final hours before voting opened at 11 pm last night.

Photo by Hamish Docherty