Britons 'doubt 2012 Games success'

1:36pm Friday 5th September 2008

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

Just 11% 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 excitement about 2012.

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% said that the performance has not made them feel more confident about the Government.

The biggest concern is over the budget. Just 12% expect that the Games will come in on budget or within 10%. And just 21% think the Olympics will be good for Britain's international reputation, a rise from 15% 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."

Sir Steve Redgrave is the most popular choice (26%) to light the Olympic torch in 2012, followed by Beijing hero Chris Hoy (13%), the Queen (11%) and Prince William (11%). Prince Charles only managed 2% of the vote.

The research also reveals that the Olympics has inspired one in seven people to take up or re-visit a sport, more than double the number who expected to be inspired prior to this summer's Games.

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