John Beirne: Ukip's policies are in keeping with what people on the street think

The former Lib Dem councillor, 53, made a surprise switch to Ukip last year.

To many the move to the right – particularly when Beirne, arguably the town’s most vocal campaigning opposition politician of the past two decades, is such as staunch critics of the Conservatives was a shock – but he insists he is line with his new party’s philosophy.

He said: “I stand by Ukip that people who come into this country shouldn’t receive free NHS care unless they have contributed to National Insurance for five years.

“Other parties have been burying their heads in the sand – no one can deny the impact of immigration on the country’s services – housing, education, heath, the lot.”

He added: “As a business owner. There are too many rules and regulations coming from Europe. 

“We’ve never had a vote on the EU – it has far-reaching policies and more regulations than we were ever told it would have.”

Some have questioned his move from the Lib Dems to UKIP – two parties with opposing policies.
He said: “I was a member of the Lib Dems when I was 15.

“Five years ago they sold all their principles and policies down the river. I was let down like others who voted Lib Dem.

“The more I read about UKIP – the facts, not the rubbish – the more I was aligned to their policies; many of the other parties seem not to understand what is going on in the streets.”

But he added: “I’d never help in a coalition with the Tories – if Ukip took a decision to go with Tories nationally, I would be out.”

John highlights his loyalty to the town, saying: “I’ve led campaigns here – against bedroom tax, hospital ward closures, against dumping toxic waste. I slept outside pits when they were being closed.

“My priorities are more about the interests of the people I represent than the party I represent.

“People are worried about the town centre failing, schools failing, unemployment, the NHS and immigration."