1 Oct 2007

Australian National University defends credibility of RAMSI poll

11:24 am on 1 October 2007

The Australian National University has rejected Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's assertion that the findings of its survey on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands lacks credibility.

Random interviews with 5,000 local people revealed that 90-percent of them want RAMSI to remain in the country.

However, Mr Sogavare disputed the findings of the report saying it does not represent the views of the masses and was carried out solely by ANU with no input from the Government.

But ANU's Survey Leader, Dr Christine McMurray says it is disappointing that politics are affecting what is important information.

She says it's always a pity if any survey becomes politicised, when the objective was to provide valid baseline data.

Dr McMurray says the survey is an extremely valuable resource.