Little optimism for democratic government in Iraq across key European markets

The TNS study, undertaken in Britain, France and Germany in mid June, reveals a wide variation of views among respondents. Adults in Britain were most likely to think that a new democratic Government would be effective (45 per cent of adults), with people in France and Germany more sceptical of the impact a new government would have. Only 28 per cent of adults in France and just 13 per cent of adults in Germany said they feel that a new democratic system would be effective.

Other findings from the poll showed that almost two in five respondents (39 per cent) thought that a terrorist attack in the country in which they live was more likely now than 12 months ago. People in Britain were more likely to think an attack would happen (51 per cent of respondents), compared to just one in five adults (20 per cent) in France.

In spite of the high level of concern of terrorist activity across all countries questioned, it is interesting that a third of those surveyed (34 per cent) were not in favour of an EU military rapid reaction force to respond to crisis situations around the world. Adults in France were most likely to support the creation of a military rapid reaction force (73 per cent) compared to less than half in Germany who supported the proposals (49 per cent).

Marita Caballo, Global Head of TNS Polling & Social commented: "Despite continued efforts by the US and UK governments to convince the world of their commitment to establishing an effective form of government in Iraq, the findings show that the majority of those surveyed do not feel that a new democratic government will be effective in the future.

"President Bush and Prime Minister Blair still have a long way to go during this interim period to demonstrate that the ultimate choice of a new democratic government is the most appropriate course of action for Iraq.

"The findings also show that questions over international security are continuing to have a significant impact on perceptions of terrorist attacks, with adults in Britain feeling most at risk. People in France, which has adopted the most neutral stance on the war on terror out of the three countries-surveyed, feel least at risk of terrorist attacks."