- First of all, UKIP does not identify as a homophobic or sexist party. I would not support them if they did. The fact that once in a blue moon there is a member with such close-minded behaviour does not represent them as a whole. And no, it's not "often"
Secondly, the whole racist thing you speak of is nothing but an accusation you put on people who actually want to keep the national identity of a country. Of course UKIP doesn't want the people of its country being outnumbered and replaced by other groups.
I fully support that because I can use my own country as an example. If English people (and any other foriegners) were moving to my country at an extraordinary rate, I would not be happy either.
I'm just here for my education, and as soon as I graduate, I'm going back to make my OWN country a better place. I am not going to claim any identity which does not belong to me. And thats essentially what UKIP is trying to get across.
On the matter of Godfrey Bloom, I think it's good riddance he's gone from UKIP, because he really did stick out, and the party is better off.
About your last question, I don't think a party should "vet" their candidates. I did my research, and I liked UKIP. Simple. Oh come on, stop targeting UKIP, you know that none of the parties have fully costed their policies.