Britons doubt olympics will be a success

Last Modified: 05 Sep 2008
Source: ITN

Most Britons believe the Government is incapable of managing the 2012 Olympics, according to a survey.

Just 11 per cent of those questioned said the Government was up to running the project.

The study, by Opinium Research, questioned 2,000 British adults before and after the Beijing Games.

It suggests that Great Britain's most successful Games in a century has generated some excitement about 2012 but there are still concerns.

Nearly two-thirds feel proud of Britain due to the team's performance in Beijing and nearly half now feel much more excited about hosting the Games.

But Gordon Brown has missed out on any reflected glory - 60 per cent said that the performance has not made them feel more confident about the Government.

The biggest concern is over the budget. Just 12 per cent expect that the Games will come in on budget or within 10 per cent.

And just 21 per cent think the Olympics will be good for Britain's international reputation, a rise from 15 per cent before the Games.

Mark Hodson, head of research at Opinium, said: "The Beijing Olympics has ignited people's enthusiasm for 2012, mostly due to the amazing success of our medal-wining athletes.

"However, people continue to have major concerns. Nearly a third of Brits still think that the Games will not provide any long-term benefits to the UK, and taxpayers' money spent on the 2012 Olympics would be better spent on other things such as the NHS, transport and infrastructure."

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