Parking, transport and a condom machine dominated a University students’ debate on campus today, a day before voting for the University Students Council. But there was no mention of students' stipends.

The debate pitted the Christian Democrat Students (SDM), represented by Karl Grech, and ACT, a coalition of student groups, which was represented by Matthew Mizzi.

Both promised action to solve the acute parking problem on campus as soon as possible.

Mr Grech said SDM, if elected, would move quickly to present proposals for a multi-storey car park and also propose the refunding of bus tickets. He also proposed a shelter for bicycles as a means to encourage their use.

Mr Mizzi promised that ACT would resolve the issue within a year, although he did not go into specifics.

When questioned on the ongoing controversy at the University on whether or not there should be a condom machine on campus, both sides were non-committal.

The SDM representative said a consultation would need to be held, and Mr Mizzi also said ACT would listen to all arguments, although it would make more sense to have a pharmacy on campus. Mr Grech said there were planning issues about having a pharmacy on campus, as well as the fact that in terms of regulations, one could not have a pharmacy when others were located close by.

The debate was chaired by Peppi Azzopardi, who urged the students to look at the wider picture and not just issues which solely concerned students.

About 200 students attended.