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It was with interest that we read Fawzi Ibrahim's article "A house divided cannot stand" (20 December) on his perceptions of the state of the University and College Union.

A healthy union contains many shades of political colour, and each has its place. As candidates for leadership positions in this year's elections, we strongly believe in working for unity: uniting our members behind a common approach; stressing the industrial issues that unite, not those political issues that divide us and around which we have little influence.

We agree with Ibrahim that some in the union desire "permanent revolution". This is an approach that has little to offer members. Such ultra-left tactics do nothing to advance the interests of members through the union. It is only by adopting a broad, inclusive approach, as we propose, that meaningful unity and financial security can be achieved.

Dominique Lauterburg, Vice-presidential candidate

Angela Roger, Treasurer candidate