Farage behaves like school bully

With the issue of bullying featuring high on the British media's agenda, the European Parliament has also witnessed its own recent shocking bout of childish, playground name-calling by UKIP's Nigel Farage MEP.

Farage was speaking at a debate between the European Parliament and the new President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, who was recently elected by member states to chair their meetings and represent them at such events.

Ignoring many of the important issues that the public want politicians to deal with, Farage launched a personal attack on Mr van Rompuy, describing him as a "damp rag" with the appearance of a "low-grade bank clerk". He also described Belgium as a "non-entity".

South East Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder commented: "Nigel Farage's personal attack on Herman van Rompuy was more akin to a school yard tyrant than an elected Parliamentarian. Parliament is a forum for different views and this is its strength. It's through constructive debate and hearing all sides of an argument that we come to decisions. We may disagree but it's important that views are respected."

"In attacking Mr van Rompuy, a guest in our parliament, Mr Farage showed no respect for Parliament. Mr Farage may claim to speak for the British people, but most of his voters would reprimand their own children were they to speak to a guest in such a way. Mr Farage's cynical swipe at Belgium, Britain's neighbour, friend and ally, also revealed the sordid underbelly of a party recently described by its leader as only separated by a 'thin line' from the BNP".

"Criticising a person for their actions is acceptable and necessary in order to invite change. Criticising a person on their nationality and appearance is the act of a bully."

MEP Graham Watson (Lib Dem) added "UKIP have splashed a video of the attack all over their website and clearly think it is something to boast about. But it is not. These personal insults betray true British values of respect, and damage our reputation in the world."

It is believed by many that, eight months after seeking and securing election in the European polls, Farage has decided he no longer wants to be an MEP. He is trying to get himself kicked out of the European Parliament so he can portray himself as a "rebel" in an upcoming General Election campaign.