FORMER UKIP leader Nigel Farage has claimed there is a "public appetite" for Ireland to leave the European Union as he visits Dublin to promote 'Irexit'.
Farage spoke at a Trinity College event this evening and is among a number of guests set to speak at the ‘Irexit: Freedom to Prosper’ conference in the RDS tomorrow.
The 53-year-old will be joined by Sunday Times columnist Cormac Lucey, journalist John Waters and Galway councillor James Charity in advocating for an Irish withdrawal from the bloc.
The event is being organised by the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group in the European Parliament.
Speaking to RTE News, Farage said: "There are voices now in Ireland saying maybe the Brits are right about it.
"There are lots of people in the professional media, civil service and political classes who love the European Union, but actually, if you go a few miles outside Dublin, it’s not all that pro-EU.
Speaking in Dublin, @Nigel_Farage insists there is public support here for #Irexit pic.twitter.com/oJDWnwo2lz
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) February 2, 2018
"I’ve never bought this argument that Ireland is totally pro-EU."
The controversial politician also claimed that Irish people have told him "it's about time we had a UKIP in Ireland".
Speaking about Leo Varadkar, Farage described the Taoiseach as "a very charming man", "a smoothie", and "the Irish Blair".
Nevertheless, he added that the Irish PM "is taking Brussels’ side against Britain, and not the one in the best interest of his country".
— Cthuhlu Hoops (@potatochopz) February 2, 2018
Arriving at Trinity College this afternoon for today's address, Mr Farage received a less-than-friendly welcome from the assembled crowd.
As he arrived, someone in the crowd shouted: "Go back to where you came from."
Farage laughed it off and responded saying: "Where?"
Someone else in the crowd then shouted "Free Scotland Nige, free Scotland!"
Truly a hospitable welcome.
See More: EU, Featured, Ireland, Irexit, Nigel Farage
