So after two days here I have finally gotten to write out my intial thoughts and experiences of Australia-this has mainly due to the jet lag (which I hope I'm nearly over).

I didn't really sleep on the flight, but it was grand. In the long term I hope that the lack of sleep has helped with getting over the jet lad as I but my biological clock totally out of wack! Two highlights was the 'approch' to London, as we flew over the centre of the city and saw some key sights, such as the Cumcumber, the London Eye and few other places. The other was the 'approch' to Sydney when we flew right over the habout and got a great view of the bridge and the Opera House at sunrise-it was lovely.

Unfortunately when I landed I discovered that my bags were still in Hong Kong, but luckly they arrived the following day. It did mean however having to walk around Target (somthing like M&S/Dunnes) like a Zombie to buy clothes to cover me. I have also had to deal with Australian Beaucracy inorder to set up m y new life here, which has been totally furstrating!

Nevertheless I am slowing settling in and I suppose it won't be until Mum and Dad are gone that this will start properally, but I am looking forward to that in one way. I have an interview in Sydney the week after they leave, so fingers crossed!

I was once told by a friend that to write out of my thoughts would be theraputic, if done it twice-hasn't fully worked. Considering the events of the past week I would rather stand onto of the SU and scream.

What has concerned and frustrated me about the discussions on the various online discussion fourms is that the primary focus has been on the issues outlined in the letter and the rational for the resignation, rather than the impact of it. As a result I wrote the following:

Despite what some of our members may feel that we do not engage or with them, I have always been of the opinion that the core role of the Union is to be there for students when the preverbal hits the fan (I sorry if I use too formal language-that’s just me, I’ve been too much of my life changing for others-I’ve gotten over that now). The role of the constitution is to be there when things go wrong, there is something to refer (and having to deal with the events of the past week knowledge of the constitution has been very handy).

Regardless of the reasons, which the Executive have indicated that they will address at the next Class Reps Council in a clear and transparent manner, the Union (specifically the officers and staff that work for you as members of the Union and the students) do face the challenge of ensuring that the quality of support and representation is maintained.

For me personally this is a particular challenge, in the space of 24 hours I had been ‘appointed’/’become’ Deputy President and by the virtue of the President being ill during this week-becoming acting President. This is the middle of RAG Week, close of nominations for the Sabbatical Elections and dealing with the previously mentioned students and issues which I am currently working on. In a few months time I will look back and laugh and consider: ‘oh, what a fantastic experience that was that I can refer to during an interview!’ For now it has been a time of reflection, energy, stress and to be frank, tears.

I made the decision to take down the posts form the forum. This followed concerns raised by both sabbatical officers and members of staff. As acting President I had a responsibility to these people as well to the student. Given that it is the intention that the issues who be addressed at Class Reps Council, which is a forum open to all students and the legal advice requested, I weighed up the pros and cons and made that decision. I’m sorry if anyone feels that I have censored the comments however I needed to make a decision and I need to stand over it.

I have never claimed that the Union is perfect, no organisation is. However, we must do our best when we get into the job. We will never satisfy everyone-it’s not an ideal, but it is a reality. One thing which you need to accept when in ‘public life’, that while we must take note of the criticisms laid against you, you can not dwell on them. To do so will mean that you will be distracted from working on the issues which are raised by students, on behalf of students or which will affect students.

In the past six years I have given my time, energy and self to the Union. I believe it what it stands for-support, representation and services to students; a democratic organisation where any student can get involved-the events in the past week have been a shock to me personally and coupled with the extra responsibilities which have come with it.

I am disappointed that Judith felt she could not stay, but I respect that fact she felt she had to go. You must stand for a position of a Union Officer for your own reasons, ultimately you must leave for your own reasons too. I wish her the best of luck. I also accept people should question and comment-it has in its own way been a huge (and I do mean huge) impact, with various emotions attracted to it. We will be ok, because we can and have to be-but at the moment we are stilling doing the best-there was no where in the handover-what to do if an

I have never been one to 'do' new years. It is an important to make the passing of one year and the bringing in of another and it is a good opportunity to take stock and make plans-however just don't get the hype!

Instead of participating in one of the many parties that were being celebrated around the world, I did partake in More 4's 'The IT Crowd'. For those of you who haven't seen it I would recommend it-quirky comedy based in the IT Department of company (its better than it sounds!)

Thanks to More 4 (I have alot to take Channel 4 for), I brought in the new year splitting my sides. I found it a brilliant experience. Firstly, I thought it a very positive way to be bringing in the New Year and to start off a new one. I also felt incredibly well with myself. At the age of 23 I have come to the realisation that a good laugh is a very healthy practice and should be encouraged regularly. It has also made me come to wonder if happy people, or those who have a good giggle on a regular basis, are they healthier (I think I heard it once).

Regardless, I would recommend everyone to have a fit of laughter and wish you a Happy New Year!