Stop throwing eggs and milkshakes at far right politicians - they feed off it

Nothing to do with the Common Agricultural Policy or farming subsidies. Not the environmental impact of rearing cows, what goes in and what comes out and the damage both do to the planet. Not even the European butter mountain. No, it was all about the milkshake.

First, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, oh ok then, Tommy Robinson, gets drenched in the drink while out on the streets of Warrington in the north west of England, where he was standing in the European Parliament poll.

Then Nigel Farage got the shake treatment in Newcastle.

Ukip candidate Carl Benjamin, also had a drink thrown at him during the campaign.

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It has led to calls about not tolerating political violence and condemnation of the shakers from several quarters.

It is however nothing new and there seems to be something about dairy products.

Jim Murphy had eggs thrown at him in Scotland during the 2014 referendum campaign.

John Prescott was hit by an egg while out campaigning in the 2001 General Election.

I can even recall an episode form my schooldays when the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was visiting nearby East Park in Maryhill and the protest was swelled by pupils.

Yes, some threw eggs as Mrs Thatcher was driven through the gates in her Prime Ministerial Jag.

Is it violence? It is protest and if you are willing to do it you need to be prepared to face the law.

Not all politicians attract this type of attention and there could be similarities drawn among those who do.

It’s not only right-wing politicians like Farage or thugs like Robinson who attract it.

Prescott and Murphy are proof of that.

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They are all combative campaigners who want to get out and in the faces of the opposition and who relish the political theatre and being centre stage.

I don’t think it should become accepted and, while not calling for those who throw an egg or a milkshake to be jailed, wouldn’t recommend it.

Genuine politicians will see the opportunity to turn it to their advantage.

For John Prescott, whose reaction was to throw a punch, it re-enforced his no nonsense take no prisoner style. A rough and ready union man to balance the slick political operator that was Tony Blair.

For Jim Murphy he documented all the abuse he took while on his one-man tour of the country during the referendum and he turned against his opponents.

Both men probably came out of the incidents stronger as a result.

The incidents gave both a profile and publicity.

Farage who doesn’t really need more exposure and Robinson too while showing outrage have enjoyed the free publicity.

What they hate is the opposite. To be ignored it a politician’s worst nightmare especially those with egos the size of the moon, like Farage.

Or those desperate to be the big man, like Robinson.

During the Holyrood elections of 2011, George Galloway was standing for his Respect Party in Glasgow on the regional list.

One lunchtime, I watched as he roped off a large area of Buchanan Street and stood in his trademark fedora with a mic and amplifier to treat the public to some of his famed oratory, no doubt expecting to draw a large crowd.

Not a soul stopped. He had by then become an irrelevance in Glasgow.

Mr Galloway soldiered on as the world passed by, but still he was ignored. He polled 3% of the vote.

During the campaign he was quoted as saying “People would be more interested in what was happening in Holyrood if I was there, because more interesting things would be happening.”

I’m sure he would have welcomed an egg or a milkshake.

Farage and Robinson with their unpleasant opinions need publicity.

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Without it they are nothing, with it their importance grows. I’d rather turn my back on them.