‘Flawed’ survey intended to dampen MaltaToday’s findings on divorce

Yesterday evening, MaltaToday revealed how "a leading newspaper is conducting a survey on divorce that is expected to reveal data that contrasts with MaltaToday’s findings in its most recent survey."

This newspaper is reliably informed that the survey’s methodology was ‘flawed’ going by concerns raised inside the same newsroom. The TST survey did not in fact specify the type of divorce to those questioned and was reportedly intended to boost Castille's efforts to dampen the impact the MaltaToday findings have had.

Last Wednesday, MaltaToday also revealed how Prime Minister and PN leader Lawrence Gonzi was warned by the PN Executive council that a 'Yes' vote on divorce in a referendum or parliamentary vote, could cost him his job.

A MaltaToday survey shows support for divorce has reached an all time high of 59%. This is the highest level of support for the introduction of divorce since 1995 when the first survey on this issue was held. The survey also shows that an overwhelming majority wants this issue to be decided upon through a national referendum.

The survey also confirms that support for divorce is stronger among Labour voters (75%) than among Nationalist voters (49%). It also shows that for the first time a pro divorce majority (relative, in the case of the PN) exists in both parties.

This suggests a remarkable increase in Nationalist voters favouring divorce up from 35% in 2007 to 49% now. But this data must be analysed with caution, due to the relatively small sample of respondents who stated which party they had voted for in the 2008 general election.

Still, a significant portion of Nationalist voters seems to favour the introduction of divorce. This is particularly significant in view of the current battle for the party’s soul, and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s express position against divorce.