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While I do not think higher education is a seed-bed for radicalism, it is a place of awakening political awareness ("Radicals in retreat", Soapbox, THES, September 22).

There are two reasons for a lack of activism. First, students have more pressing concerns. They have to pay for their education and if they spend their time on the streets rather than at the books, then the bill will be for nought.

Second, the kinds of action taken by the student movement tends to be national and out of the reach of poorly resourced students. Add to this the total lack of coverage of events such as last November's National Union of Students' march, and you have motivation trouble.

This cannot be changed or manipulated from a national level; it will come from a local and campus desire to take part in politics. That will take time and will need the participation of students who are interested in politics for reasons other than furthering their own personal aims.

Dan Ward Post 16 editor, Schoolsnet