There is strong opposition to Independence, according to a poll commissioned by , but fewer young people are against the idea than the older generation.

The survey, which quizzed 404 people, found that 67 percent were against Independence, 24 percent supported it, and nine percent were not sure.

However, when the results were split into age brackets, it emerged that while there was 63 percent opposition to a break from the UK in the 18-35 age bracket, the figure was 73 percent in the 55-plus bracket.

The poll ? carried out by Research Innovations ? also revealed that there are slightly differing views across the income scale. While Independence found 67 percent opposition and 20 percent support from those earning below $50,000, the responses were 79 percent and 15 percent from the $100,000-plus earners.

There was stronger opposition to Independence from whites ? 89 percent ? than from black ? 54 percent.

When asked about the method of deciding Independence, the majority of those who responded were in favour of a referendum rather than an election. A total of 69 percent favoured a referendum, with 23 percent pro-election and eight percent unsure. When the results were split along gender lines, 74 percent of men wanted a direct vote on the issue with 65 percent of women backing this idea. Younger people, the poll revealed, are more favourable towards the matter being decided by an election. In the 18-35 age bracket, 58 percent wanted a referendum and 33 percent an election. In the 55-plus range, just 17.5 percent wanted an election and 68 percent a referendum.

In the under $50,000 income bracket, 27 percent backed an election, and 66 percent a referendum. In the over $100,000 bracket, 18 percent backed an election and 73 percent a referendum. Among blacks, there was 59 percent support for a direct poll on Independence, and 29 percent for an election. Among whites, the figures were 84 percent and 12 percent.

In February, Bermudians for Referendum campaigners delivered a petition calling for Premier Alex Scott to commit to a referendum on the matter. Although Mr. Scott has previously hinted that there is likely to be a referendum on independence on either the day of a General Election or one year after, BFR believes this should take place before the polls.