From Iain McKie, Totland Bay:

Bob Seely’s call for an Island university (CP, 06-04-18) has demonstrated what an exceptionally thin grasp of “joined-up thinking” he has. Or what a cynical operator he is.

Firstly, there are already more than 130 universities in the UK, begging the question why do we need one more?

Secondly, what would be the calibre of the staff teaching at Isle of Wight University? With the market already saturated, I expect the quality of lecturers would be bottom of the barrel making the Isle of Wight University a dead weight loss in terms of economic and social benefit.

Thirdly, where would all the students and staff be accommodated, and what impact would this have on the Island’s infrastructure?

Why does he expect all Island residents would want to go to his university — I expect the smart ones will still go to the universities with a long proven record of academic achievement?

Finally, how would this university be paid for?

Either taxes would go up, or there would be a diversion in funding from within the budget at the expense of pre-existing universities.

But Bob Seely knows a university will never be founded on the Island; he is merely making noises (consistent with his spin doctor background) to make him sound good.

I am just surprised he has not suggested the Isle of Wight host the Olympic Games.