The Progressive Labour Party now has less support than Bermuda's two Opposition parties combined, according to a new poll.

The PLP's support has dropped from 40 percent to 32 percent in the survey by Mindmaps, with the United Bermuda Party on 21 percent and the Bermuda Democratic Alliance on 17 percent.

Increasing numbers of people who previously voted PLP are now sitting on the fence, the poll suggests, while the UBP and BDA have maintained almost exactly the same level of support they had three months ago.

Thirty percent of voters said they didn't know how they would vote in a General Election, up from 23 percent in the last poll — that rise mirroring the fall in support for the PLP.

New party the Alliance is enjoying a groundswell of popularity among young people, with 26 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds saying they would vote BDA — compared to 11 percent for the UBP and 20 percent for the PLP.

Backing for the BDA steadily decreases as people get older, however, with just nine percent of over 65s voting BDA compared to 36 percent UBP and 29 percent PLP.

The UBP still does best among whites, boasting 47 percent of that section of the population, compared to 22 percent for the BDA and just three percent for the PLP.

But the BDA is beating the UBP in the black community, nearly doubling its share of the black vote to 13 percent, compared to five percent for the UBP.

The PLP still claims more than half the support of blacks, but its share of the black vote has dropped from 68 percent three months ago to 52 percent.

Since the last election, the PLP has a performance approval of 25 percent, down from 28 percent; with 42 percent disapproving, up from 38 percent.

The UBP's performance approval has climbed to 14 percent from its nadir of seven percent three months ago. Forty-nine percent of people disapprove of the UBP's efforts, down from 58 percent.

The BDA's performance approval is 17 percent, with 36 percent disapproving.

Ninety percent of people said they were either very likely or absolutely certain to vote in the next election.

Reacting yesterday, PLP chairman Anthony Santucci said: "We're not focused on poll results. We're focused on solutions to keep Bermudians safe and getting crime under control. We're focused on reforming and improving our education system. We're focused on ushering in a tourism turnaround. And we're focused on seeing our economy through the global economic crisis.

"This is not the time for polls that highlight our differences and stoke partisanship and division. This is the time to put politics aside and focus on what unites us. Now is the time to focus on the issues that matter to Bermudian families."

UBP Leader Kim Swan said: "It is clear that more people are unhappy with the performance of this Government than ever before. Indeed, we believe this is the first time since 1998 that Opposition support is greater than support for the Government.

"The poll shows support for the PLP continuing to decline while our numbers have stabilised, though at levels that we clearly need to grow.

"Obviously, the most important poll is the one taken on election day and until then we will continue working hard to protect people and the welfare of this great Island. That mission keeps us going no matter what.

"So we will fight for better management of the economy, for public safety, for education reform that works for our children and for reform of Government that makes it more open, honest and accountable to the people."

BDA chairman Michael Fahy said: "The Bermuda Democratic Alliance is pleased with the poll results. We have obtained a strong following in spite of still being a very new political party, particularly among younger voters which indicates a very strong future for the Alliance.

"Given that the Alliance Leader, Craig Cannonier, has only been in place since February 2010, the favourability ratings for him are also pleasing.

"The Alliance cannot expect miracle changes in voting preferences without time and effort, and as such we will double our efforts in forging a better way so that Bermudians can have hope for a better future for our country.

"We believe that Bermudians are looking for change and in a few short months it is clear that the people of Bermuda are looking to the Alliance to bring about that change.

"We relish the challenge to change the mindset of Bermudian voters and are confident that support will continue to grow in all parts of Bermudian society."