NO matter how much Nigel Farage twists and squirms, his remarks about Romanians during a disastrous radio interview were racist. It really is as simple as that.

Under admirably ferocious questioning by LBC's James O'Brien last Friday, Mr Farage dug an enormous hole for himself close to the European elections when said that people would be right to be concerned if a group of Romanians moved in next door.

Having issued an unconvincing semi-apology yesterday, Mr Farage attempted to defend his position during an interview with the BBC's Political Editor Nick Robinson today when, despite being given several opportunities, he refused to apologise.

So there we have it. The leader of UKIP really does see nothing wrong in suggesting that people from a particular nationality are more likely to be a cause of concern if they move in next door. No ifs, not buts, that's racist, Mr Farage.

And the hole simply gets bigger. "I do not wish for people to feel in a discriminatory manner towards Romanians," he told the BBC.

So why did he feel the need to add: "...but I do say there is a very real problem here, that everyone else has run away from, brushed under the carpet, the whole organised crime element, and the impact that has had on London and other parts of the country."

He does not want anyone to discriminate against Romanians - perish the thought. Yet he believes we should be worried if they move in next door and, what's more, he chooses to make a connection to organised crime in the next breath.

Sadly, it is likely that Mr Farage will still strike a chord with enough voters in the European elections to give him a sense of momentum.

But the past few days have exposed him as a man of bluster - and very dangerous bluster at that.