Rivals united in tribute to defeated Liberal Democrat Andrew Duff
Defeated Liberal Democrat Andrew Duff. Photo: Ian Burt.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 12:08 PM
MEPs across the political spectrum paid tribute to defeated Liberal Democrat Andrew Duff who said he was full square behind his leaders tactic of taking on Nigel Farage in debates ahead of the European elections.
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Labour MEP Richard Howitt described Mr Duff, who was an MEP for 15 years over three terms, as a distinguished member of the European Parliament, while UK Independence Party Stuart Agnew described him as the perfect gentleman.
Tory Vicky Ford also offering praise to her political opponent who she said had always been very polite and a true English gentleman.
Mr Duff, admitted that it had not been a good evening, but said it had been expected.
Junior members of the coalition are clobbered as a matter of course, and this is the thing that has happened. The problem has been confounded by a wave of nationalist sentiment across the country which I find pretty inexplicable and certainly completely not justifiable by the facts of the matter of our membership of the EU.
Amid speculation about Liberal Democrat leader Nick Cleggs position heading the party, Mr Duff offered his support.
I completely support Nicks tactic of taking on Farage, that was the correct thing to do to clarify the issues at stake to polarise the campaign, I am sorry that is wasnt more effective this time in turning electoral opinion.
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Rivals united in tribute to defeated Liberal Democrat Andrew Duff