During the Nominations Court held this afternoon at the University of Glasgow, the following candidates were put forward for the position of Rector to the University (in alphabetical order):

Annas Alamudi

Graduated from Glasgow in 2004, and is a well-known Indonesian peace activist. Former University of Glasgow politics student. Has been involved in campaigning for East Timor independence, and has organised student protests in Indonesia.

John Ross Beattie

Director of Physical Activity Task Force. Lions rugby player and journalist for The Herald newspaper. A graduate of the University.

Jenni Keenan Green

Plays 'Heather' in the popular Scottish BBC TV soap opera River City.

Mordechai Vanunu

Spent 18 years in prison for exposing details of Israeli nuclear weapons. Released earlier this year, has since been re-arrested and accused of leaking classified information.

The University Rector is elected by the students of the University for a period of three years. The Rector not only represents the students but is also, ex-officio, the Chairman of the University Court, the body which administers the resources and income of the University. The Rector also appoints an Assessor to serve on the University Court.

The actor and comedian Greg Hemphill was elected to the Rectorship in 2001. An experienced all round performer, Mr Hemphill has a popular and active Rector and representative the students versatility which he has utilised on stage, radio and television.

Historically Rectors have largely been drawn from politics, including Gladstone, Disraeli, Balfour, Bonar Law, and the French President, Poincar￩.

The official election for the post of Rector for the University will take place on 15 December.

Principal of the University, Sir Muir Russell commented:

'Although I do not want to comment on any individual nominations from today, I do want a Rector who will be able to represent the interest of the student body to the university court. I look forward to a good election.'

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 24 November 2004