Would Nigel Farage's Boozy Image Affect His Chances Of Becoming Deputy Pm?

[Gromit]

People are talking of UKIP as a junior partner in a coalition making Farage Deputy Prime Minister. Would he have to curb his drinking to take office? He admits to being a boozer, others say he is an alcoholic. Would he be a fit person to run the Country when the PM was away?

[Canary42]

There are precedents (e.g. George Brown).

[AB Editor]

I think they all turn to drink in one way or another:

http://www.theguardian.com/global/2010/sep/02/prime-ministers-and-alcohol

From the article:

But Churchill was – and remains – in a league of his own, boasting: "I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me."

It seems like he wouldn't have to change anything to take any sort of position of power, if elected. Drinking is part of the national character and probably contributes to his popularity amongst voters?

[BlackadderV]

Churchill didn't do too bad on copious amounts of the sauce.

[Jomlett]

Nigel Farage: I’m having a dry January! http://fw.to/cWuVDyg

[BlackadderV]

The tale I like about George brown was when he was tight at a function in Peru, as the band struck up he approached a figure in shimmering red and asked for a dance. The reply was:

I shall not dance with you for three reasons:

1. You are drunk
2. This is the Peruvian national anthem
3. I am the cardinal archbishop of Lima.

[Gromit]

Liberal leader George Kennedy was removed after his drinking habits became publicised.
Does Farage get away with it because the public don't take UKIP too seriously?

[BlackadderV]

CHARLES Kennedy. And he was seriously into the hard stuff.

[anotheoldgit]

You earlier told me that UKIP wouldn't win enough seats to become part of a coalition with the Tories, so why are you beginning to show concern that he might not make a fit Deputy Primer Minister because of his drinking?

[ToraToraTora]

no, I'd say it would be a positive advantage.

[Svejk]

mikey's polls say nil seats for UKIP. How can they form a coalition?

[retrocop]

I have, personally, seen quite a few politicians, deputy PMs and one deceased member of the Royal Family frequently drunk after attending state banquets. I have seen plenty of pictures of Nigel Farage raising a glass of the foaming nut brown meths in a celebratory gesture but I have NEVER formed the impression he appeared or sounded inebriated.
The late George Brown had the dubious honour of having the phrase "emotionally tired" especially penned for him on numerous occasions.

[Gromit]

It is a hypothetical question.

[Gromit]

Tired and emotional.

[BlackadderV]

"Tired and emotional" was often used to explain Boris Yeltsin's non appearances at functions.

[naomi24]

He doesn't come across as an alcoholic - just someone who likes a glass of beer. Nothing wrong with that.

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect most of it is "image" anyway.

[retrocop]

I fully appreciate the question was hypothetical. I am merely stating that a certain previous deputy PM was a public menace and a danger to society when he was pulled into Paddington Green having been arrested for Sec 6 RTA. He had mounted the pavement and demolished some ones front garden wall whilst driving home in his Roller to his house in St John's Wood.
This person was supposed to represent the UK government. Nigel Farage has represented this country as an MEP and to my knowledge has not disgraced himself there through excess imbibing. He might of turned his back when the European Anthem was played but not because of his drinking habits.

[naomi24]

OG, I think you're right.

[2sp_]

His drinking habits are the least of my concerns regarding Mr Farage...

[Gromit]

Retrocop,
My stating it was hypothetical was aimed at AOG. He thought my opinion was contradictory because I am of the opinion that UKIP will not have enough seats yet I was asking if Farage was fit to be Deputy PM. Sorry for the confusion.