HAMILTON, Bermuda – Premier Dr Ewart Brown's approval rating has tumbled to 18 per cent among voters while his deputy Paula Cox has seen her popularity soar to 75 per cent, a new public opinion poll has found.

The economy is now consideredone of the top three issues facing Bermuda for the first time, according to the poll published by the Royal Gazette newspaper.

It found that crime remained the public's No.2 concern following several months in which violence has dominated the headlines, but the economy/unemployment has now overtaken housing and education for second place.

In the poll conducted by independent firm Research Innovations, 17 per cent of people say they have confidence in the island's economy, with 48 per cent saying they do not and 35 per cent neutral.

As Bermuda looks to cope with the global economic downturn, the premier's performance approval rating has fallen four points from 22 per cent to 18 per cent. (CMC)