I am wondering which party I should join, UKIP or the Tories.
UKIP has a libertarian slant which I am inclined to. I am a recent convert to libertarianism and it seems my natural home. I agree with much of what Farage says and it seems their common-sense policies could do a great deal of good in practice. I have followed them closely for a year now and agree with nearly all their policies.
However, they are a new and untried party, and the Tories are already established. I am worried however that if I join the Tories I will be hounded to follow the party line, which will be frustrating as I like to speak my mind.
The problem with UKIP: how they are perceived. It would not look good for my political career if I, as a member of an ethnic minority, were seen to be joining it. I nevertheless feel that the Tories have betrayed their old Thatcherite values and Cameron is not to be trusted at all. Farage is a competent leader and deserves much more respect than Cameron ever did. But there is hope - the right is gaining the ascendancy in the Conservative Party, and it might be more amenable to my somewhat radical views.
I also happen to be a republican.