A self-righteous suicide.

When System of a Down sang about this, I scoffed. I had no idea what it meant.

Now, maybe I do.

University lecturers are holding out for more and more of a pay increase. Where do they think the money will come from?

I'll tell you. From students. From the fees charged to these students, fees that already leave them with a mountain of debt when they've finished their studies.

A word to the so-called 'wise': Students are not stupid. They have already gained the qualifications they need to get into university. They have already proved themselves intelligent.

It won't take them too long to work out that your massive pay rises will come out of their pockets. It will take but a moment more for them to realise that their resulting debt will take decades to pay off. An instant later, they'll realise they can do better training as plumbers or electricians.

Student applications are down this year. It's not a one-off. When the lecturers force the pay rises they desire, fees will skyrocket. Next year's applications will drop further.

Guess what happens next? Does the word 'redundancy' appear in your thoughts? How about 'department closure'? Oh, yes, it can happen. Ask a chemist.

So enjoy your huge pay rise. It won't last long. And don't imagine you'll easily find another job, since no university in the country will be taking on staff in the next few years.

Suicide, indeed.