Quote:
Originally Posted by mrabody
We're on the right track in a couple of areas - we are developing domestic polices, and we are beginning to contest local elections regularly.
There are plenty of things we still need to do, but most crucially we need a full time leader in the UK, not one who is an MEP. I'm not suggesting we replace Nigel, I'm suggesting we bring him home from Brussels and make him a full time leader of the party. He's by far the best speaker and communicator that we have. Unfortunately the British Media doesn't care about what goes on in Brussels, it only cares about what happens in Westminster. Likewise the British public might agree partly or wholely with us about the EU but what they really care about is crime, education, the NHS and a bunch of other domestic issues. Imagine if Nigel was spending all his time in the UK, part of the time hanging out in Westminster looking for microphones and television cameras, and the rest of the time travelling around to meetings, town raids and doing local media appearances throughout the country. He'd get a great deal more media exposure which over time would lead to more members, more donations etc. It would also show the country that we are a serious party, not just a pressure group.
UKIP can certainly afford it. I'm a member of the Surrey Committee, and another member once commented to me that if you look around the table at a committee meeting, you are staring at a combined worth of the people sitting there of £20m+. I think that if asked there are plenty of UKIPers who are prepared to stump up £50 or £100+ every month to make sure that Nigel's salary and expenses are met. In any event the benefits of having a leader who could devote himself full time to overseeing the party instead of spending much of his time in Brussels would go a long way to strengthening the party on the ground and increasing party organization and professionalism at the centre.
Having Nigel's undivided time and attention in the UK would allow everything else to gradually fall into place. Recruitment of members, raising funds, media exposure, and yes, winning elections to Westminster.
|
We have gone through this before, if every member paid just £5 per month, this would provide plenty enough for a full time leader in the UK dealing with domestic politics. I have no great regard for the UKIP leadership, but I cannot believe that the issues you raise have not been thoroughly discussed by them. There must be a reason why they are not too troubled by UKIP - UK, even though Westminster is the only route to changing our relationship with the EU.
All of the reasons that have been suggested and any I can think only point to one conclusion - they don't want to change our relationship with the EU.