Martin's Numbers Sinking Like Leaky Barge

"A honeymoon-ending poll, conducted immediately after the release of Auditor-General Sheila Fraser's report, shows the new government dropped nine percentage points this month, down to 39 per cent of decided voters, from 48 per cent in January..."

"The Conservatives saw their support jump to 24 per cent, from 19 per cent, while the NDP nudged upward by two percentage points to 18 per cent."

"The opinion poll found that most people blamed Mr. Chretien and his chief Quebec lieutenant at the time, Alfonso Gagliano, for the sponsorship mess, with 64% of those asked saying they considered the former prime minister 'very responsible.'"

"Mr. Gagliano was blamed by 61% of those surveyed. However, 52% of those surveyed by the pollster also held Mr. Martin responsible for the scandal the federal Auditor-General called 'shocking.'"