EUSA president pleased with local elections hustings

Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) President Matt McPherson has expressed his delight at the association hosting the Edinburgh Students Forum (ESF) local elections hustings at Teviot Row House on 27 April.

In a statement to The Journal McPherson said that he was “very pleased that EUSA could host the ESF hustings as part of the Voice Your Vote campaign".

Candidates from each of the main parties from different wards across the city were represented and McPherson claimed this “illustrated the pivotal role that students will play in local elections”.

McPherson claimed that the local elections were vital to ensuring that students had their voices heard in their local communities adding “fighting HMO quotas, improving standards in housing and having better transport connections are crucial in enhancing the student experience for students in Edinburgh”.

The hustings were attended by a number of students and local residents along with some prospective councillors.

Some audience members expressed their upset that some of the lesser known candidates representing wards across Edinburgh such as the Pirate Party and the Scottish Anti-Cuts Coalition were not included in the debate.

McPherson responded to criticisms by claiming that although the panellists were from the major parties, this was the most inclusive and organised way the debate could be organised. He explained that if some independent candidates or lesser parties had been invited the association would have had to invite all candidates from all wards which wouldn’t have been practical.

Speaking to the audience McPherson called for all students to vote in the elections to ensure that their votes and their voices are heard.

The elections took place on Thursday 3 May, see pages 4 and 5 for full coverage of the results.