Royal Gazette Independence poll.

Sixty-five percent of 18 to 34-year-olds who intend voting in a referendum oppose going it alone.

Surprisingly, just 20 percent back cutting links with Britain, the survey shows.

The middle-aged -- often labelled conservative -- are keener for change, however.

And the older they get the keener they get, the poll suggests.

While 54 percent of 35 to 44-year-olds planning to vote would say "no'', 28 percent would say "yes''.

This compares markedly with those aged 55 to 64.

Forty-seven percent of people in this age group oppose Independence, compared to 35 percent in favour.

It seems, however, life comes full circle when you reach 65.

For those aged 65 and over -- and planning to vote -- feel much the same way as the young. Sixty-one percent are against Independence, and 24 percent for.

The scientifically conducted survey was carried out for The Royal Gazette by US company Urban Associates.

Results -- aimed at getting current opinions -- were based on telephone interviews with 484 registered voters. They were broken down by race, sex and age.

The poll showed overall opposition to Independence -- 59 percent of people intending to take part in Government's proposed referendum would vote "no''.

Across the ages most people agreed on one thing -- the pros and cons of Independence should be explored.

Sixty-three percent of 18 to 34-year-olds agreed with this, while 33 percent did not. Comparative figures for other age groups were: (35-44), 73 and 17; (45-54), 70 and 30; (55-64), 67 and 29; and (65 plus), 56 and 39.

The majority of people of all ages said they needed more information. See table above.

The following is the results of The Royal Gazette's Independence survey based on different age groups.

Currently the issue of Independence for Bermuda is being debated. Do you believe that the pros and cons of Independence should be explored at this time? Registered voters who would vote on referendum All 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 Yes 65 63 73 70 67 56 No 30 33 17 30 29 39 Don't Know 5 4 10 * 4 5 Currently, are you in favour of Independence for Bermuda? Registered voters who would vote on referendum All 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 Yes 26 20 28 31 35 24 No 59 65 54 58 47 61 Don't know 16 15 18 11 18 15 Do you think that you have enough information available to you to make a decision on Independence at this time? Registered voters who would vote on referendum All 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 Yes 26 25 18 25 43 32 No 72 75 78 73 57 65 Don't know 2 * 4 2 * 3 *Less than 0.5 percent