Conservatives warmly welcome former U.S. Republican hopeful Ron Paul

OTTAWA – America’s foremost libertarian and former Republican leadership candidate Ron Paul received a standing ovation today from a group of Canadian conservatives gathered for an annual conference.

Paul’s speech to the Manning Centre for Democracy’s networking conference included support for the abolition of central banking, income tax and social programs.

Paul received enthusiastic applause for many of his comments, and was later followed around by a gaggle of young, mostly male Canadian fans.

Former Reform leader Preston Manning, the conference host, says Paul’s presence demonstrates that conservatives are willing to explore tough questions and issues — unlike Liberals.

But other Conservatives at the conference say Paul’s views are totally disconnected from the Canadian reality and mindset.

Only a few Conservative parliamentarians were on hand for Paul’s speech.