Dexter government takes a hit in latest political poll

The latest Corporate Research Associates political poll indicates satisfaction with the Dexter government has dropped sharply.

The poll gives the NDP 46 per cent support, down from 53 per cent in November while Liberal support is up four points to 46 per cent. The Conservatives hold down third place with 22 per cent support.

Pollster Don Mills says the government should be especially concerned its satisfaction numbers are also down significantly.

Three months ago 63 per cent of Nova Scotians were satisfied with the government's on the job performance. This latest poll puts that number at 49 per cent.

Corporate Research president Don Mills says there's no question, the MLA expenses scandal has had an impact.

"Now they're below 50 per cent and of course the major thing that's happened during that period has to do with MLA's expense claims," said Mills

The premier's personal popularity is also down, from 44 per cent in November to 35 percent today, but Cape Breton University political science professor Tom Urbaniak says he doesn't think it's time to push the panic button.

"It's not panic time yet, but the scandal elasticity is no longer there," he said. "At all costs the NDP must avoid scandal for the rest of this mandate because the public tolerance is just not present."

He also thinks party fortunes can be reversed with an apology from the premier on the expenses scandal.