Ukip MEP tirade

Published on Thursday 25 February 2010 19:46

Nigel Farage's tirade against Herman van Rompuy in the European Parliament (your report, 25 February) did not reflect well on either him or his party. Mr van Rompuy is experienced enough to ignore personal jibes, and his own speech contained interesting ideas about his role and function. As usual, Mr Farage missed the point.

The UK Independence Party is deeply attached to the misconception that van Rompuy is "President of Europe". He is not. He is president of the European Council, the body composed of elected heads of government which makes European policy. Mr van Rompuy's job is to chair this body and steer its 27 members towards consensus, frequently on complicated issues where national interests diverge. Consensus-building in these circumstances is essential if worthwhile policy is to be agreed – and extremely difficult. Mr van Rompuy is an acknowledged expert in such negotiations.

Mr Farage's main complaint appears to be that Mr van Rompuy is inoffensive. Mr van Rompuy's low profile is a strength, not a weakness, and his ability to work quietly and effectively while avoiding the limelight is something that Mr Farage might care to try.

JOHN BRAND

Chairman, The European Movement in Scotland

Cumberland Street

Edinburgh

Before launching a personal, verbal attack on Mr van Rompuy, Nigel Farage said "I don't want to be rude", then went on to be just that, with a bullying rant, unbecoming a member of the public, let alone a member of the European parliament (your report, 25 February).

I shudder to think what he would have said had he intended to be rude.

Let's have more serious debate in that parliament and no more juvenile name-calling.

MALCOLM W EWEN

Ferryhills Road

North Queensferry