Opinion swings against PM after bloodiest month in Iraq

[JoFerret]

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12956,1195698,00.html

Alan Travis, home affairs editor
Tuesday April 20, 2004
The Guardian

Support for Tony Blair's stand on Iraq has fallen sharply in the last two months, according to the findings of the latest Guardian/ICM opinion poll.

The bloodiest month since the invasion of Iraq has seen public opinion in Britain swing sharply against Mr Blair, with 48% saying the war was not justified.

The survey also found that two-thirds of British voters have little or no confidence in the Americans' handling of the situation in Iraq, with 79% saying it is too dangerous for civilians working for British companies to be in the country.

There is still majority support for US and British troops to remain but a growing and significant minority - 42% - believe Mr Blair should follow the example of the new Spanish government and bring the army home within six months.

The prime minister's personal rating remains in the doldrums at minus 20 points. But this month's Guardian/ICM poll does contain some good news for Mr Blair, with the Labour party regaining a five point lead over the Conservatives despite being buffeted by the Beverley Hughes immigration row at home and by events in Iraq and Israel.

Labour's share of the vote implies that its performance in the June European and local elections will have more to do with the turnout than the Tories making any headway with swing voters.
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[alittlelark]

1. Blair will not be one of the 'smart rats'

he will go down with the reeking, burning ship.

[fearnobush]

2. A vote for Bush is a vote for the Saudis.

Bush/Chaney/Bandar 04