City councillors united against university merger — but struggle to put it into words
Dundee councillors have failed to agree on a way to support the continued independence of the city's universities.
The crest above the council chambers.
- By Grant Smith, education reporter
- Published in the Courier : 27.09.11
- Published online : 27.09.11 @ 01.27pm
At a meeting on Monday evening there was unanimity that Abertay and Dundee universities should not be merged. But the SNP administration and opposition parties could not agree on the form of words they would use to make that case to the Scottish Government.
After a lengthy debate in the council chambers, the SNP motion prevailed by 13 votes to 11.
It states: "The council strongly supports the continued status of Dundee and Abertay universities as independent, autonomous institutions.
"The council further notes that all public sector institutions are operating in a period of severe financial constraint as a result of Westminster Government policy and considers that the strong case for retaining both institutions can be greatly enhanced by closer mutual working arrangements."
The motion goes on to pledge to write to First Minister Alex Salmond and Education Secretary Mike Russell and to Mark Batho, chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council, to make the council's position clear.
Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors had proposed an alternative message, warning that a merger would "likely result in Abertay being subsumed into Dundee" with jobs put at risk at both universities.
It added that a merger would be "highly detrimental" to the city and that the council should be making clear its "outright opposition" to such a move.
Arguing the SNP's case, administration leader Ken Guild said there had been a furore over the future of the universities, with some "wild accusations and rumours" flying about.
He noted that Abertay, whose long-serving principal was suspended before retiring during the summer, had been through a difficult period "which was probably as much about personalities as policies." He hoped any damage from that would be temporary.
Labour group leader Kevin Keenan said the division between councillors was regrettable. But he argued it was important to take into account the wider impact of a merger on the city's economy.
He was backed by the Liberal Democrat group leader Fraser Macpherson, who said attempts to blame the UK Government were "risible".
After winning the vote, Mr Guild said there had been "some shameless scaremongering tonight."
Abertay University Students' Association president William Mohieddeen said he was delighted that all councillors had agreed to support the university's independence and that this would be communicated to the government.
However, he expressed disappointment at the "political point-scoring" that went on during the debate.
02.04pm - 27.09.2011 William D - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Sorry, weak words from the SNP who are obviously keen to find a bridge. They should be coming outright and saying 'NO' to their political friends in the SNP govt. Proposal will cost jobs, prestige, and end Abetay's autonomy. Ken Guild knows the B. King argument is a red herring. Shameful comments.
03.14pm - 27.09.2011 RJ - Dundee, Scotland Report This
William D's comment above is spot on. Why aren't SNP Councillors taking a stronger line over Abertay? They should be standing up for Dundee (like they were elected to do), not pandering to Mike Russell and the SNP government's poor judgement!
03.28pm - 27.09.2011 CD Dundee - Dundee, Scotland Report This
How about " Do you realise that we have already lost the vote in Dundee because of this"
03.54pm - 27.09.2011 Maryfield Resdidnet - Maryfield, Scotland Report This
Abertay is in Maryfield which has over 4000 student residents. Does anyone now think they will vote for the SNP in May? The students are just another group in Maryfield that has been ignored and abandoned. Get used to it Abertay, the youth, residents and community groups in Maryfield have.
05.03pm - 27.09.2011 Sean O' - Dundee, city of, Scotland UK Report This
Maryfield Resident I wouldn't be so sure. After all, the SNP promised to scrap their debt, amounting to on average £13k, but then came out with the £2300 GE'S as a fop. The loans to grants didn't happen either, yet still students voted SNP. This is a key to the way the SNP treats students.
05.06pm - 27.09.2011 Toni F - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Now can Dundee not get 29 councillors speaking with one voice. This is pathetic. Those Dundonians defending RUSSELL's stance should be ashamed of themselves.
08.45pm - 27.09.2011 KLMc - The Ferry Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
@ Maryfield, Resident I agree with you. But just as they did with the Beauly to Denny power line, this issue will most probably just crop up again once the next local elections are over. This is how the SNP works, I am sad to say.
09.52pm - 27.09.2011 Terry Scott - Stobswell, Dundee, Scotland Report This
@Maryfield Resident Many of these numbers of students you quote are only part-time residents of this city so if they are registered to vote and are living in residence away from home they can't vote twice it's either here or their home city. I think you need to do your research.
06.55pm - 28.09.2011 Maryfield Resident - Maryfield Home of Abertay, Scotland Report This
@Terry Do you not want students 2 Vote? Are U & SNP afraid of votes? You are right they do need to vote in just one place. That is why us researchers are holding several "Get Ready to Vote" events in the next few months at both Abertaty and Dundee. You stay tuned for the result, It will be in May!
12.41pm - 29.09.2011 Pro - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Talk is cheap anyway. The majority of Scotland's Council's were against the Single Scottish Police Force but they are continuing regardless. If the SNP continues down this path they can kiss goodbye to a chance they had of winning an independance vote and returning to Government at the next election
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