At that time when people were talking, the only vacant position was that of the vice-president and so we said it should be left for a woman, but the import is that one of the three (president and the two vice-presidents) must be a woman.

We are very interested in the meeting and we are making a follow-up. We want to know what is going on. Unfortunately, we can't divulge much at this stage because it will work against our interests but this is a matter of national security and we can't ignore it.

I do not comment on things that do not exist. There is no such a thing.

So to be talking to anybody about being vice president doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It doesn't make sense now.

This is a major worry for vice-chancellors. At a UUK meeting recently, although we were not talking about this subject, almost every vice-chancellor in the room came and expressed concern about what was happening in relation to overseas students.

Some people are like wheelbarrows; useful only when pushed, and very easily upset. The time to stop talking is when the other person nods his head affirmatively but says nothing.