I can't link to the Sky news interview with Nigel Farage but it was terrible

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It was Kay Burley. About 3pm today. She made his case for him just now and I don't even think she meant it. In fact I think she's sure she made a good job of portraying him as a mad racist while talking to him about UKIP's poster suggesting migrant workers were stealing British jobs.

He seemed quite reasonable in the face of Burley. He didn't emerge as racist - protectionist at best - xenophobic at worst. He didn't even grab anyone round the throat or ask them if they'd have given it up a bit more their husband wouldn't have been tempted to murder prostitutes.

Then she went on about a pretty young woman they're featuring as a candidate who is from her appearance, clearly of Anglo-Asian background and demanding why UKIP didn't declare her background. Burley was the one who mentioned pretty. Not me or Farage.

Farage asked why they should and to be fair I had to agree. And also, she's a pretty woman who's used a flattering picture on her literature. Wouldn't you? If you want to know more about her views then read her literature and ask her questions, rather than the party.

Oh criminy. I had to admit that Nigel seemed reasonable. They're heading for a major result in the European elections. In my mad moments I toy with voting UKIP just because I've always lived in Tory constituencies and want to crush them now more than ever.

It could happen here. I won't do it, but the temptation is fucking strong.

I'd think it was a right-wing plot if I didn't know Burley of old and realise it was incompetence.

Once upon a time, the UK. Tories had important positions in the biggest political group and a lot of power, gradually they have marginalised themselves.. Forming a political group with strange Czechs and poles etc so that they could pacify their euro sceptic elements. I am not convinced this has actually done the uk any favours! just reduced influence.

So are you saying that the here today, gone tomorrow bureaucrats and MEPs and politicians in the European Parliament don't listen to companies like Exxon, Shell and BP etc who have more money than just about any other businesses apart from maybe the banks?

Wars are fought for oil and oil pipelines. These companies can get their way on many important issues. How come some of our politicians are consultants for solar panel companies that no one has ever heard of, but not for huge companies like Exxon? Are you saying it is because these politicians have principles?

UKIP has influence because it is UKIP that has forced Cameron to offer a referendum on Europe. The more money donated to UKIP, the more effective its advertising and campaigning can be and the more pressure they would then put on the establishment parties who would have to change their policies to meet the threat from UKIP. It seems that that is what caused Cameron, who is as green as they come, hugs huskies and even has a rooftop wind turbine on his house, to allegedly start saying we have to "cut the green crap".

Err claig I didn't say anything of the kind.

Sadly more MEPs and officials listen to Exxon than I would like.

However someone like Gordon brown is a powerful personality that has strong and long held opinions and may be influenced on some business oriented stuff but will state his opinions on climate change.

But there's no point in Exxon eg backing UKIP because I doubt they'd agree that the UK shd leave the EU plus as I've said UKIP don't bother engaging on the bread and butter work on legislation which eg Exxon would want to influence. Plus UKIP will not be creating political alliances in the European Parliament that will give them any power.

This is why for me they are a wasted vote. Happy to take lots of lovely cash and hang out at the parliament Not doing any policy work and pontificating on the iniquities of the EU.

However someone like Gordon brown is a powerful personality that has strong and long held opinions and may be influenced on some business oriented stuff but will state his opinions on climate change.

But there's no point in Exxon eg backing UKIP because I doubt they'd agree that the UK should leave the EU

Good point. That is probably it. The EU is a big business club and that may be the reason.

Yet you fall for big oils propaganda on climate,claig? Make up your mind!

And as I've said I have a strong suspicion the next European Parliament may be influenced by quite left wing parties..

Many things in the EU are a big business club tbh, but there are strong counter influences. I doubt the EP will ever let the free trade agreement with the US called the TTIP through since most MEPs believe it is anti democratic. And the EP has the power to block this kind of stuff.m

'Yet you fall for big oils propaganda on climate,claig?'

I don't. I have never read anything by Exxon or BP or any of the rest of them. I am saying that they get their way probably whenever they want. I don't believe any politician in power can really go against their interests.

'I doubt the EP will ever let the free trade agreement with the US called the TTIP through since most MEPs believe it is anti democratic. And the EP has the power to block this kind of stuff.'

Yes, that will be interesting. You may be right on that, but I doubt it. Thank God France and some MEPs are against the GM food crap that is part of that and that may halt it, but I think a deal will be reached over that in the end because big business will want it and now that we have the Russian problems, a quid pro quo deal will be done to suit US interests.

Claig if you have read stuff casting doubt on climate change you have likely read stuff funded by Exxon etc. though BP etc don't deny climate change these days , they just argue about the impact on business of climate policies and cost effectiveness stuff.

I have watched the climate debate for a long time and I can tell you that in 2008 strong legislation that was a big shock for many fossil fuel companies got adopted. Now the politicians are a bit more scared because of the economic crisis. But there is still likely to be a big package of legislation presented for discussion with a carbon target for 2030 by this time next year. Also things like the crisis in the Ukraine will influence the debate, plus NGOs etc. business does not get a free ride :-)

And as I've said I have a strong suspicion the next European Parliament may be influenced by quite left wing parties.

Lots of commentators are saying that the populist right may win 35% of the seats. Look at the success of UKIP. It is similar across Europe. That is what has got the elite terrified as it may stop their plans in their tracks.

I would guess that the next EP elected will not agree to the TTIP. Not sure about the one after that!

The populist right does not have a good record of working together, so even if they get a large percentage of seats they won't be very effective.

Funnily enough xenophobic parties tend not to agree much with each other :-) (imagine the fights between Italian fascists, French fascists like le pen)

Yes, they are not united.

www.electio2014.eu/pollsandscenarios/polls

Latest polls. If you think about which groups will actually work together - it is a more centre/ liberal left Parliament we are looking at

I think that Cleggy is in favour of TTIP. I expect that most of the other politicians will be too.

Clegg might be because he's in uk government but most European politicians in the EP hate it because basically they have v little oversight. I have seen opposition to it across the political spectrum, so I think the EP would kill it.

Yes, you might be right there. It will be interesting to watch that one.

xpatmama thank you very much; from reading your posts I feel much better informed.

I used to be a LibDem voter but the tuition fees thing really grates.. and knowing they will roll over when in coalition puts me right off voting for them again.

I won't not use my vote, but I find it deeply depressing that I'll have to choose by working out which party policies are the least worse.

Thanks Blondiminx! The only thing I would say is that depending where you are from there are some really good lib dem MEPs, might be worth looking at their record before you decide. You can always write to them and tell them you voted under duress :-)

Pahaha UKIP aren't racist... look at what's happened now just last night when we were debating this!

Eyebrows, are you referring to Andre Lampitt? Of course his behaviour is reflective of the rest of the party, just like Cyril Smith is representative of all the Lib Dems.

please take heed of your username...

That's a well thought out and constructive reply, thank you.

In all honesty I think whether you support them or not comes down to what side of the coin you're on. I'm rooted in the left. One of 'the great unwashed' as Claig so kindly describes.

With such diametrically opposed ethics I don't think I could ever sympathise with a blunder like last night. And UKIP are quite widely viewed as racist whereas the Lib Dems are not widely thought to be paedophiles, so I'm not really sure that's a great example...