48% believe Gov't handling of economy 'very poor'

Almost half the population believes the Government’s handling of the economic downturn has been “very poor”, according to an opinion poll conducted by Lansdowne Market Research.

This is the second Lansdowne poll on the Government's performance in this area and the most notable change is the 10 per cent increase to 48 per cent in the number of people who believe its response has been "very poor".

Three-quarters of those questioned believe the Government's performance has been either "very poor" or "fairly poor". That compares to 63 per cent in the September poll.

Just 10 per cent of people approve of the Government's management of the crisis to date.

"There is considerable concern over significant tax increases in the next budget, with nearly three in four believing there may be a mid-year budget and as many anticipating a forced general election," Lansdowne said.

The other noticeable change since the September poll is a sharp increase in the proportion of people who say they are worse off than 12 months ago.

In January 46 per cent of people said they were worse off now than in January 2008, compared with 27 per cent in September.

Almost half of those questioned said they expect the recession to last for a minimum of three years, Lansdowne said.

Fifty-six per cent of respondents said they "agree" or "strongly agree" with the view that the Government will be forced into a general election in 2009, while 58 per cent expect the second Lisbon Treaty referendum - expected later this year - will be passed.

The poll of 1,000 people was carried out between January 12th and January 23rd.