Derry man confronts Farage over '˜Brexit' vote

Mr Heaney, a well known Derry community leader and director of the Old Library Trust, is in Brussels as part of a delegation from the north west hosted by Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson.

The delegation is made up of health professionals, community leaders from Derry, Donegal and Sligo as well as representatives from Derry and Strabane District Council and Sligo Council.

It is in Brussels to explore EU funding opportunities to promote and develop the North West Health Innovation Corridor.

Speaking about his encounter with the UKIP leader, Mr Heaney said: “We were waiting to go into the European Commission building when I noticed the cameras and I waited to see who they were there for.

“Then Nigel Farage appeared to give an interview about the EU referendum ahead of a debate in the European Parliament.

“I thought I couldn’t let the opportunity pass and asked him what he thought of the ‘Remain’ vote in the North of Ireland and whether he thought we should be dragged out of Europe despite voting to remain.”

Mr Heaney said the UKIP leader didn’t seem impressed by his question.

“Whether he didn’t want to answer or didn’t want to make a scene in front of the cameras, he did not respond,” he added. “Instead, some of his entourage moved me out of the way.

“I would have thought someone who regards himself as a leading politician presenting himself for interview at the European Commission would have answered my question but he was silent.”