By Lindsay Mackoon, Freelance Writer
PORT OF SPAIN:
TRINIDAD AND Tobago's Prime Minister Basdeo Panday has brushed aside the two latest public opinion polls whose findings reflect dwindling support for his faction of the United National Congress (UNC) as the December 10 general election draws near.
One survey conducted by the St Augustine Research Associates (SARA) reported 37 per cent of respondents saying they would vote for the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM) led by Patrick Manning, with 31 per cent preferring the UNC.
The other poll, undertaken by the North American Teachers' Association, found the UNC has suffered "significant defection" in voter support from last December when the party was swept back into office for a second term.
But Panday has dismissed the findings of the surveys, calling them "tainted".
"Polls have never won an election. If properly done, they are snapshots of people at a particular point in time. But then tomorrow, they may feel different," the prime minister said.
Contacted by phone from his home in Vistabella, South Trinidad, Manning said: "We have noted the findings and are encouraged by the results. But it's five weeks to polling day and things can change."
