The Progressive Labour Party has refused to say whether it supports the Bermuda Government’s multimillion investment in the 2017 America’s Cup.

Opposition leader Marc Bean, deputy leader David Burt, shadow economic development minister Wayne Furbert and shadow tourism minister Zane DeSilva all responded with silence after The Royal Gazette asked whether they back Government’s commitment of more than $70 million on the sailing event.

It comes after a poll commissioned by this newspaper showed 52 per cent of people approve of the backing, with 27 per cent disapproving and 21 per cent undecided.

Previously, Mr Bean has said the America’s Cup will be a boost to the Island and called for “everyone to be on board and row in the same direction”.

Responding to our survey earlier this week, Grant Gibbons, the Minister of Economic Development, stressed Bermuda is still near the beginning of a long programme and that he believes enthusiasm for the Cup will grow, particularly as events take place such as the World Series, Red Bull Youth America’s Cup and the Challenger Series.

Reasons for approval in our poll included one voter who said: “I hope that this will bring more finances to the Island. We have to spend money to make money.”

From the “nay” camp, many voiced scepticism that the America’s Cup would translate into the Island-wide windfall promised by the One Bermuda Alliance.

One said: “I think the Government was thinking short-term, and it will only benefit the people who already have money. There are a lot of little jobs now, but when it’s over there will still be people without jobs.”