Once again, The Royal Gazette has proven that it doesn't know how to read polls. Let's look at the facts.

The Royal Gazette wants you to believe that the UBP is "closing the gap" with the PLP, insinuating that they're attracting new voters. They're not. They're just consolidating the support of the voters who've traditionally supported their party. Note:

In the last Research.bm survey in October, 63 percent of whites opted for the UBP... (today) Seventy-nine percent of whites said if an election was held tomorrow they would vote UBP.

The so-called "jump" in the UBP's support is a misnomer. They're pulling the same support from the same people who have always supported their party. To suggest otherwise is just plain biased spin.

The truth is, there is a lot of good news for the PLP in the latest Research.bm poll. First, this:

The PLP is gaining in popularity however, among the younger black generation. Three months ago, 45 percent of blacks aged 18-34 would have voted PLP, now that figure is up six percent, at 51 percent.

Young people are our future. And, that's why the PLP is making a special effort to reach out to young people of all ages who believe in social justice and progressive values.

But, that's not the only good news. Premier Ewart Brown and Deputy Premier Paula Cox maintain their edge in popularity over the unpopular UBP leadership and, as a party, the UBP continues to fair dismally:

Asked to rate the Party's performance as Opposition, only 19 percent of registered voters approved. Whites and voters over-55 were more likely to endorse the Party.

Ouch.

Premier Ewart Brown's popularity is dragged down by a segment of society that has never in the history of Bermuda supported PLP candidates. Among black voters, Premier Brown has a 2:1 advantage with 42% approving of his performance and just 20% disapproving. Deputy Premier Paula Cox boasts a 62% overall favourability rating.

The Royal Gazette will always spin, but, elections are the only polls that really count. The last three times the people actually went to real polls, they gave a resounding vote of confidence to the PLP.