Dear Editor,
The published results of opinion polls on the latest referendums, found in the edition of February 9th, have left me puzzled, considering how starkly they diverge from the reality. These results were based on samples from 120 nationally designated sites, surveying 1,200 adults. The portion of individuals who would reject the proposals on care and family were roughly 12% and 15% respectively, while around 5% mentioned they wouldn’t cast their votes. The estimated error margin stood at 2.8%.
It was revealed that majority, over half of the surveyed population, agreed to the proposals. Yet, these predictions seemed far from what actually transpired. With no critical news or developments preceding the vote that could have affected its course, I was left to speculate on some unlikely factors that could be in play.
Perhaps this could serve as an instance of what Britons dub as the “shy Tory phenomenon”. This phenomenon describes a circumstance where voters, reluctant to express their contrary opinions due to societal pressures, behave differently inside the polling booth. Meditating on the alleged “progressive” character of the amendments, it is indeed quite the enigma.
In conclusion, I find it difficult to imagine a situation where these poll results would be so unreflective and almost redundant of the actual results.
Yours sincerely,
Brian O’Brien,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.