A TOTAL of 51.6 per cent of Jamaicans believe that Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport, will take over as leader of the People's National Party when Prime Minister P.J. Patterson quits as president of the party.
Her closest rival for the post, according to a poll conducted by Don Anderson on behalf of The Gleaner, is Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of National Security, with a 21.8 per cent share of public support.
NATIONALLY REPRESENTED
The poll was conducted from July 6 to July 20 and 1,200 persons aged 18 and over were interviewed islandwide. The sample was nationally representative and conveyed views across gender, age and social class. The margin of error is plus or minus three per cent.
"Simpson Miller has a very commanding lead in the public's eyes as the person to succeed P.J. when that day comes. Over 51.6 per cent feel that she should replace P.J. She has strong support across all segments of the population," Mr. Anderson said in his analysis.
Mrs. Simpson Miller is best supported by women (58 per cent), rural persons (55 per cent) and low-income persons (55 per cent).
"Phillips's support is strongest among upper-income persons where over 29 per cent feel that he should succeed P.J. But even here, however, 42 per cent say that they would opt for Simpson Miller," Mr. Anderson said.
CONTEST
Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning, has signalled his intention to contest the position of president of the PNP when Mr. Patterson resigns. Just 5.4 per cent feel that he should succeed the Prime Minister.
Other names that have emerged include Dr. Karl Blythe, with 4.8 per cent support and Robert Pickersgill, with 2.4 per cent support. A total of 9.4 per cent did not have an opinion on the issue.
