Three times as many voters disapprove of public works minister Craig Cannonier’s performance as those who support him, according to a political opinions poll.

The Devonshire South Central MP had the backing of 23 per cent of voters, compared with 67 per cent overall who disapproved of his performance and 10 per cent saying they didn’t know.

The Global Research survey took place between December 1 and 8, shortly before Mr Cannonier was touted by One Bermuda Alliance sources for a potential return as Premier.

On Friday last week, Mr Cannonier insisted he had not challenged Michael Dunkley, the Premier, adding “I do support him” — although a party source maintained he had tried to drum up support among OBA MPs.

Mr Cannonier’s tenure as Premier was the shortest in the office’s history, beginning with the OBA’s historic election victory in December 2012 and ending with his resignation in May 2014 in the wake of the so-called Jetgate scandal. He returned to Cabinet the following January.

A breakdown of the figures by race shows the former Premier was frowned upon by 71 per cent of black voters and 59 per cent of whites; and appreciated by 20 per cent of blacks and 30 per cent of whites.

His support figures were particularly low among seniors, with 15 per cent of voters 65 and over giving their approval, and 68 per cent disapproving.

Men were significantly more likely than women to support Mr Cannonier as minister: 28 per cent versus 19 per cent.

The poll of 400 voters who declared themselves likely to turn out for an election has a margin of error of +/- 5 per cent at the 95 per cent confidence level.

It was carried out independently by Global Research, with head Sheeny Syed explaining: “We often poll leaders as well as current social issues, keeping our finger on the pulse of the people at all times.”