Clever Trevor

University of Ulster vice chancellor Trevor Smith has had a rare vote of grassroots confidence - from the students of another university. Students at Queen's University, Belfast, have put his name forward to take over from their own Gordon Beveridge, who is due to retire soon.

The nomination came after Sir Gordon declined student suggestions that he follow the example of Sir Trevor in donating lost earnings from last week's national strike to a student hardship fund.

"It is obvious who cares more about his students," said Queen's union welfare officer Cormac Bakewell.