exceed 80 percent is not surprising and reflects its steady performance in its first six months in power.

The survey's statement that the February Budget -- in which few taxes were raised -- was the major contributor to the high approval ratings is probably correct as well, especially as the overall survey results for its performance and the Budget are virtually identical.

It is interesting that the few who disapproved of the Budget did so because "they feel it represents no big change from the previous Government, because it included no new taxes, or because it focuses on quality of life issues such as education and housing''.

This suggests that Progressive Labour Party's main opposition at present comes not from traditional UBP supporters but from people with extreme left beliefs.

In some ways, that is a blessing for the PLP, as these same people are unlikely to decide to vote for a party to the right of the Government.

Nonetheless, this group could cause problems for the Government, which blessed with a large majority, could suffer more from its own disunity than from sustained opposition from the UBP or the National Liberal Party.

These concerns could especially rise during the ongoing debate on the British White Paper, in which vocal supporters of Independence could press the Government to move towards sovereignty, which still does not have strong support.

It could also cause difficulties if the Government fails to move quickly enough to deal with the social problems confronting the Island.

Nor is it surprising that support for the PLP remains stronger among black Bermudians than whites, with 28 percent of blacks polled reporting complete satisfaction with the Government compared to two percent of whites.

This can be attributed to the fact that the PLP has traditionally drawn its support from black Bermudians while the UBP has had strong white support, but it nonetheless suggests that the Government's efforts to be inclusive are not yet taking fruit.

But these are quibbles for the most part. Eighty percent approval ratings speak for themselves, although the Government should keep in mind that approval ratings can sink quickly and are not a substitute for good Government.

It should also recall that the UBP had 65 percent approval ratings before the last Election -- and look what happened there.