MINISTER OF Tourism and Sport Portia Simpson Miller is regarded as the most suitable person for Prime Minister at this time, according to the findings of a recent poll commissioned by the Gleaner Company Ltd. and conducted by Don Anderson and his team from Market Research Services Ltd.
The poll was conducted between September 4 and 11 and involved interviews among 1,000 persons aged 18 years and over islandwide. The margin of error was plus or minus three per cent.
Asked to indicate who in their opinion is best suited to be Prime Minister at this time, more than 19 per cent of those polled singled out the popular Minister who earlier this year took over portfolio responsibility for tourism and sport, having been shifted from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Mr. Anderson said this "indicates there is a reasonably strong perception she would do well as head of the country at this time. It should be noted this survey and this specific response was gathered against the background of the serious concerns about crime and violence and the recognition that urgent attention needs to be paid to this problem."
He said support for Mrs. Simpson Miller comes from mainly females, persons in the 25 to 44 age group and among the upper socio-economic groups.
Opposition Leader Edward Seaga is considered by 17 per cent of the people polled as next in line for the top government job, Mr. Anderson said:
"This is against the background of the criticism constantly levelled against Mr. Seaga for his unwillingness to step down as Leader of the Opposition and the feeling among many that the party will not easily win another election under his leadership."
Some 11.4 per cent rate National Democratic Movement president Bruce Golding higher than the incumbent P.J. Patterson and no one else was seriously regarded as good prospects to lead the country, said Mr. Anderson in his analysis.
