Nigel Farage has performed in strong fashion during the leaders’ debate – according to the public where he polled at 24% at the half-way point.
Attacking the established party leaders while also reiterating his views, the UKIP leader’s performance went down well with viewers who used ITV’s rating system, particularly when addressing the issue of health tourism.
“How can we believe your promises?” @Nigel_Farage (a sweaty looking one) #leadersdebate #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/BnGvedCAes — YourElection2015 (@YourElection15) April 2, 2015
But Nicola Sturgeon said there was nothing that he wouldn’t blame on immigrants. Scotland came under attack from Farage, who said ‘English tax payers are a bit cheesed off with their money going over Hadrian’s wall’ – something of a georgraphical blunder which led to jokes about UKIP’s immigration policy.
Wonder if Farage will suggest tougher border controls to stop Scots getting over Hadrian’s Wall? #leadersdebate — Hannah Mason-Bish (@DrHannah) April 2, 2015
Speaking about the NHS, Farage insisted that the institution was one to be proud of – although plenty were quick to point to a previous statement of his which suggested that the question of privatisation would have to be revisited.
A reminder of the time Farage called for a debate on privatizing the NHS #leadersdebate http://t.co/qN17x9yDYp http://t.co/U6u4gEngKA — HuffPostUKPolitics (@HuffPostUKPol) April 2, 2015
He also caused some controversy when citing the example of foreign HIV patients, saying that British people should be prioritised before them. Leanne Wood responded, telling Farage “You ought to be ashamed of yourself”, received the first round of applause on the night.
ITV newsreader Alastair Stewart recognised Farage’s performance as an effective one.
#leadersdebate@Nigel_Farage proving an effective ‘debater’ – reaching back to what’s been said and weaving it back in. — Alastair Stewart (@alstewitn) April 2, 2015
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