Between polls and realities

By ROBERT L. MORRIS
| Mon, June 11, 2012 - 12:00 AM

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The recent opinion polls conducted by CADRES and published in the SUNDAY SUN has evoked comments on a number of issues.

The issue I wish to focus on is that the newspaper managed by clever manipulation of information and graphics to make those compared with the Prime Minister to appear giants comfortable in themselves, while the Prime Minister is made to appear puny and uncomfortable.

So that nature itself is turned upside down, in that the Prime Minister is of a more imposing height than any of his competitors in the poll and his self-confidence has never been in deficit.

The history of polls will show that those who have been more in the public glare and the public eye, the darlings of the Press, are more likely to get a higher popularity ranking than others.

The Prime Minister has not been as long in the eyes of the Press as others, and the Press has not yet warmed to him – although some of the more respected journalists are warming to him in a meaningful way, and these are not likely to be the ones with political axes to grind.

It is unlikely that those who wish him to fail will support him and his policies. Such is the nature of politics.

However, there are some who consider that at his short stand at the wicket so far he has reflected a solid character, a warm personality, is exemplary in his use of language, is a fount of knowledge, is tactful, has a clear vision for his country, and is in tune with the leaders of this country as well as the masses.

Polls do not make leaders. So far, in the St John by-election, the Prime Minister’s leadership skills were on display. The general election will be a contest between polls and lived realities.