Support for the governing Liberals in Nova Scotia remains strong.
The latest Narrative Research survey indicates 76 per cent of those polled are happy with the overall performance of the provincial government.
The survey was conducted just after Iain Rankin was named the new leader of the party and premier designate.
Despite the change, the Grits have the support of 50 per cent of decided voters, compared to 26 per cent for the PC’s and 18 per cent for the NDP.
The Greens hold six per cent support while 28 per cent of people are undecided.
Further, five percent would not vote if an election were held today, and five percent refuse to state a choice.
“There is no question that the public has supported the McNeil government’s actions in managing the pandemic,” said Margaret Brigley, Narrative Research’s CEO. “Those actions appear to bode well for our new premier. Premier Rankin’s challenge will now be to make his own mark, while continuing to navigate through these unprecedented times.”
Meantime, Rankin is the preferred choice for premier this quarter, although there has been a notable drop in preference compared to last quarter (34% Rankin, compared with 43% for McNeil in November).
Support for Tim Houston stands at 17% (compared with 16% in November), with slightly fewer preferring Gary Burrill (13%, compared with 15% from November).
Thomas Trappenberg is preferred as premier by five percent of the electorate (compared with 3% in November).
“Perceptions of Iain Rankin are generally positive, with over one-half of residents (55%) reporting a favourable overall opinion. Conversely, one in ten indicate an unfavourable opinion, while a similar portion (10%) believe it’s too soon to say and one-quarter (23%) are unsure.re is no question that the public has supported the McNeil government’s actions in managing the pandemic,” said Margaret Brigley, Narrative Research’s CEO. “Those actions appear to bode well for our new premier. Premier Rankin’s challenge will now be to make his own mark, while continuing to navigate through these unprecedented times.”
The poll was conducted over the phone on February 8 with an overall sample of 800 adults.
