Public enthusiasm for the London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012 has increased nationwide, despite the effects of the economic downturn, according to new research.
An independent survey for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport revealed that overall public enthusiasm for London 2012 had risen slightly in the past year, with 78 per cent of the population "pleased that London is hosting the games" and more than three-quarters "confident" the UK would stage a successful games.
The strongest support for the games was in Northern Ireland (89 per cent), followed by London (84 per cent). The biggest increases in support were recorded in the West Midlands and the East Midlands, both up 10 per cent on the previous year to 81 per cent and 78 per cent respectively. Enthusiasm was lowest in Scotland among those aged over 65, at 69 per cent.
However, when asked about the effect of the Games on their own lives, respondents remained circumspect. Although an improvement of eight percentage points on the previous year, just 30 per cent believed the games would have a positive impact on their lives.
