The state of the economy is the biggest problem facing the country, according to a new public opinion poll.
In a UMR Research poll, 34% of those who responded nominated the economy as the number one issue, with crime and violence coming a distant second on 14%.
The impact of the global economic crisis on the local economy concerned 72% of respondents, while 31% expect their standard of living to fall this year.
Some 80% say unemployment will rise and 28% are worried about losing their jobs.
The poll also suggests a more people believe the economic problems will last beyond this year, with 53% expecting it will be two or three years before there is a recovery, compared with 37% in December.
The survey interviwed 750 people and has a margin of error of +/- 3.6%.
