Farage promises to use social media to undercut TV Debates if he is excluded

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25041740

Nigel Farage promises 'fun' if UKIP is denied election debate

Nigel Farage says much of UKIP's surge in popularity is down to social media

UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has said he will produce a "fun" alternative broadcast if he is not allowed to take part in the leaders' TV debate at the next election.

David Cameron says any debate will involve only people with a "prospect of becoming prime minister".

But Mr Farage told The House magazine he would not be "excluded".

He suggested the possibility of live-streaming on the internet while debates were running.

The first televised debates were held before the last general election in 2010, involving the three main party candidates - Labour's Gordon Brown, Conservative Mr Cameron and Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg.
Technology 'is power'

It is not certain whether this will be repeated, but Mr Farage argues that, as his party is enjoying a sustained run of good ratings in the opinion polls, he should be included in any repeat.

He told The House: "If UKIP has good cause to think that it should be in the TV debates and it's excluded, we will provide an alternative form of entertainment on the evening.

"I'm working on some ideas. The internet is quite big these days... you could live-stream. There's one or two technical things we are working about and thinking about.

"It would be quite fun, wouldn't it? People would have their TVs and their laptops next to it."

Mr Farage added: "They might think they can exclude us but modern technology has such a power.

"To be honest, if it wasn't for the internet we wouldn't be here. YouTube and Facebook and all of this has helped us to reach an audience we would not have reached."

Dave, Nick and Ed can run but they can't hide.

Thoughts?

[Kardan]

David Cameron says any debate will involve only people with a "prospect of becoming prime minister".

So why is Nick Clegg allowed to go on?

[-:Undertaker:-]

So why is Nick Clegg allowed to go on?

Or David Cameron for that matter.

[GommeInc]

Aren't the Lib Dems a small party these days? if anything they should be excluded for not being a "real" party. It should just be Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP.

[AgnesIO]

Aren't the Lib Dems a small party these days? if anything they should be excluded for not being a "real" party. It should just be Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP.

If you have Lib Dems I guess you should have UKIP, if you don't have Lib Dems I cannot see why you should include UKIP.

[GommeInc]

If you have Lib Dems I guess you should have UKIP, if you don't have Lib Dems I cannot see why you should include UKIP.

Because they're ranking #4 and would with all valid reason be a wasted vote anyway since they won't stick by their promises anyway?

[AgnesIO]

Because they're ranking #4 and would with all valid reason be a wasted vote anyway since they won't stick by their promises anyway?

UKIP would be no more of a vote realistically - yes they have gained massive popularity, but the next election is not their moment - and sadly, I think that is the only election for them to really do well in.

[GommeInc]

UKIP would be no more of a vote realistically - yes they have gained massive popularity, but the next election is not their moment - and sadly, I think that is the only election for them to really do well in.

They do quite well in the European Elections and are projected to do better given the rise in Euroscepticism in recent years. Not sure what to think about local and general elections so can't really agree or disagree with your opinion. It will be interesting to see what happens, they may do well coming in 2nd or 3rd.

[Chippiewill]

David Cameron says any debate will involve only people with a "prospect of becoming prime minister".

I think Mr Cameron misunderstands the purpose of the general elections, we elect MPs not prime ministers.

[AgnesIO]

I think Mr Cameron misunderstands the purpose of the general elections, we elect MPs not prime ministers.

But the parties all state who their head would be.. ie. the Prime Minister if they win. The debates were called "Prime Ministerial Debates" for a reason :L