Labour gains popularity after election

Press, 23 August 1984, Page 13

Labour gains popularity after election

PA Wellington Labour gained in popularity in the three weeks after the July 14 election, according to a Heylen “Eye Witness” poll. The poll on the state of the parties and politicians was taken on Saturday, August 4. The Labour Party had 47 per cent support of those polled, a gain of four percentage points on election day, while National support slipped 2 per cent to 35 per cent, the “Eye Witness” television news programme reported. The New Zealand Party with 11 per cent support slipped 1 per cent, as did Social Credit to 7 per cent. The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, gained 67 per cent approval in his performance rating as a politician, with 15 per cent disapproving. The Leader of the Oppostion, Sir Robert Muldroon,

rated 28 per cent approval with 57 per cent disapproving. Mr Lang also led the field as the politician most preferred as Prime Minister with 32.5 per cent, up four percentage points on election day. Sir Robert’s support dropped nine to 14.7 per cent. On the over-all performance of the Government, 56 per cent approved, 20 per cent disapproved, and 24 per cent did not know. On the handling of the economy, 49 per cent approved, 22 per cent disapproved, and 29 per cent did not know. On the handling of unemployment, 26 per cent approved, 8 per cent disapproved and 67 per cent would not express an opinion. Devaluation gained 49 per cent support with 37 per cent disapproval.