WATCH: Farage challenges Miliband to a Debate

[Kardan]

I'd change the 2-3-5 to 2-4-5 personally. I also agree that the only two parties which stand a chance at winning the general election are Labour and the Conservatives.

[dbgtz]

Good Telegraph comment here, nail on head.

The only problem with that is that you'd open it up to accusations from the DUP and others that it's giving their opponent a boost.

Ahh that is true, could easily have their opponents invited too. I think my point mainly is that more "local" alternatives need to be shown

[Chippiewill]

2-3-5 actually makes the most sense. 2 for debates between people who might actually be PM. 3 for debates between leaders of parties which will actually win significant numbers of seats. 5 for debates between leaders of parties which will have a significant proportion of the vote.

Anyone who believes that UKIP will win loads of seats at the next general election are crazy, they may be polling nearly 40% for the EU elections however they're still polling around 12% for the general election. Couple this with our FPTP system and a lack of any areas of significant focussed UKIP support and many analysts are predicting that UKIP will still win NO seats at the next general election. Even the libdems on whatever pathetic level they are will beat UKIP on seats.

The irony is that UKIP are being mostly voted for in a position where they have the least effect.

[-:Undertaker:-]

2-3-5 actually makes the most sense. 2 for debates between people who might actually be PM. 3 for debates between leaders of parties which will actually win significant numbers of seats. 5 for debates between leaders of parties which will have a significant proportion of the vote.

Anyone who believes that UKIP will win loads of seats at the next general election are crazy, they may be polling nearly 40% for the EU elections however they're still polling around 12% for the general election. Couple this with our FPTP system and a lack of any areas of significant focussed UKIP support and many analysts are predicting that UKIP will still win NO seats at the next general election. Even the libdems on whatever pathetic level they are will beat UKIP on seats.

The irony is that UKIP are being mostly voted for in a position where they have the least effect.

Whilst FPTP is still a hurdle, this is beginning to change in some seats that have been polled so far - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion...neral_election The purples could well win a number of seats, or, as you say - they could win no seats. I guess it'll be decided properly by broadcasters nearer the time of the next General Election.

And they're polling higher than 12%, it's more 15% to 20%.... and that's for the moment.

The one thing that gives me hope in regards to the FPTP hurdle is this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadia...election,_1993 It'll be difficult, but with the right by-elections it could happen.

Strongholds are beginning to emerge, we'll see if they can add to them in the Locals on 22nd May.

[GommeInc]

I'm actually shocked by UKIP in my area. The local candidate came to the door to talk to us... I've lived here for years and never seen a candidate come to the door and he was shockingly friendly and actually had some good policies. His policies were:

- To give my area a voice (I live in the outer bit of a large village - we get ignored despite paying the most council tax and not being a cost to the village)
- To give my village a voice in the main town (as above, we get ignored)
- To hold monthly forums to discuss matters that will be pushed to the Council (he even says he will do this even if not elected)
- To improve the local Medical Centre by tweaking the opening hours and to stop the village being developed any further (it's stretched... quite badly)
- Improve transport links to the main town as well as to other towns in the area
- Promote local growth, particularly small businesses
- Promote community spirt - we gave up having an annual fayre recently because the parish council was lazy. Funds were there.

In short he realised we don't seem to be represented in the Parish Council let alone the Borough Council. The fact he is going out of his way to speak to people is enough to win my vote, as it shows he at least cares and isn't a career politician who treats it like any other job. Being social is kind of important, especially in small villages.

It's strange, as it doesn't exactly scream out "monster raving racist party", but apparently only a small minority actually think this according to a poll recently. In fact, more people think they attract racists by coincidence, not necessarily by choice.