Premier Dr. Ewart Brown's popularity has grown — with one in three people now supporting him — according to poll results released yesterday.

Research.bm's April survey showed 34 percent of registered voters have a favourable opinion of the Premier, up from 29 percent in the last poll in January.

However, Dr. Brown's rating is still dwarfed by his deputy Paula Cox, who goes up from 62 percent to 65 percent.

Opposition leader Kim Swan's popularity increases from 28 percent to 35 percent, while his deputy Trevor Moniz rises from 26 percent to 31 percent.

The number of people who don't like the Premier remains much higher than any of the other political party leaders and deputies.

Thirty-four percent of people have a very unfavourable opinion of Dr. Brown, with another ten percent describing themselves as unfavourable, giving a total of 44 percent. The total with an unfavourable opinion for Ms Cox is 14 percent; for Mr. Swan and Mr. Moniz it is 23 percent each.

Dr. Brown's performance approval rating has gone up from 28 percent to 31 percent; while those disapproving of his performance falls from 44 percent to 43 percent.

A breakdown on race shows 65 percent of whites gave the Premier the lowest possible favourability of one out of five. Six percent of whites gave him the top score of five out of five.Blacks were more evenly split, with 16 percent giving him the lowest score and 20 percent the highest. Ms Cox, Mr. Swan and Mr. Moniz received a more even spread of votes from whites.

Sixteen percent of whites gave Ms Cox the top score, and 11 percent the lowest; 22 percent gave Mr. Swan top score and two percent the lowest; and 21 percent gave Mr. Moniz top score and two percent the lowest.

Meanwhile, 52 percent of blacks gave Ms Cox top score and three percent the lowest; seven percent gave Mr. Swan top score and 12 percent the lowest; and six percent gave Mr. Moniz top score and 11 percent the lowest.

The Progressive Labour Party remains marginally ahead of the United Bermuda Party, with 40 percent saying they would vote PLP, 37 percent UBP and 22 percent not sure or refusing to answer. Both parties' rating have climbed two percentage points since January, with the not sures down from 26 percent.

Among whites, 86 percent would vote UBP, four percent PLP and eight percent aren't sure. Among blacks, 62 percent would vote PLP, 14 percent UBP and 22 percent aren't sure.Responding to the poll results, PLP spokesman Wentworth Christopher said yesterday:"We are pleased to note an increased level of confidence in our leadership and we are committed to pursuing those goals from which all Bermudians can derive benefits."Since the 2007 election, the Progressive Labour Party has delivered on our promise of the daycare programme which is helping working families. The free Bermuda College tuition is enhancing educational opportunities."As we continue phasing in the FutureCare initiative our seniors will have an increased sense of security with access to high quality health care after a lifetime of hard work. We believe that appreciation of the implementation of these policies is reflected in the poll results."We will continue to proactively address the issues of concern to Bermudians. The public has recently been informed that the Police is stepping up its efforts to combat crime. Our taking it to the people town hall series addresses the economic concerns of people while giving them information about helpful Government services."We've just announced plans to build over a hundred new affordable housing units. The Progressive Labour Party is focused on good performance in Government. Which we can confidently state will be validated in future polls."A UBP spokesman said:"The polls are moving in a positive direction, but clearly there remains a huge amount of work to do as a party and as the Opposition."We will continue our work to get the Island back on track; to speaking for leadership that is more respectful toward people, more disciplined in spending their money and fully committed to the principles of good governance."The party will keep the focus on issues of primary importance to the community: law and order, education reform, road safety, protecting jobs and our international business reputation. The Government is not focused and so, for the sake of the Island in the grip of major economic and domestic challenges, this is a major priority for us."The telephone survey of 400 people has a margin of error of 4.9 percent.