If Farage doesn’t take part in the debates then it will only make UKIP supporters feel more alienated
It could make UKIP waverers more determined to vote
We now have progress with leaders TV debates for GE2015 with Sky proposing three sessions and fortnightly intervals starting on April 2nd 2015.
The big issue is what they do with Nigel Farage. His party holds no seats at Westminster though it looks set to do very well at Euro2014 and could, indeed, come out as top party.
It has said that it will be contesting all seats and its polling continues to be very strong. It is also doing very well in council by-elections picking up the odd seat and chalking up 20-25% vote shares.
My strong view is that the UKIP leader should be there because his exclusion will be a big issue of the campaign.
Given that we know that those toying with voting UKIP at G2015 feel alienated from the whole process then banning their man could reinforce it.
Surely it is far better for Nigel Farage to be subject to the same scrutiny that the other leaders will get?
Mike Smithson
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