Support for the Policy Address has plunged on the eve of the traditional Legco Motion of Thanks today to the Chief Executive on his blueprint. Satisfaction with Tung Chee-hwa's third policy blueprint has fallen from 35.6 per cent recorded on October 6 to 17.1 per cent. About 40 per cent of those interviewed on Friday said they were dissatisfied with the blueprint, up from 29 per cent on October 6 when Mr Tung addressed the Legislative Council. Conducted by the Social Sciences Research Centre of the University of Hong Kong, the same survey found confidence in Hong Kong's future had also slid since then. About 25 per cent said their confidence had been dented after Mr Tung gave his speech. The figure on October 6 was 15 per cent. Only about 13 per cent said their confidence had increased, down from 40 per cent three weeks ago. Support for the Chief Executive dropped from 55.1 per cent of those polled last month to 53.7 per cent this month. Satisfaction ratings for the Chief Executive in three key areas in the Policy Address - economic policy, environment and education - have dropped since October 6. Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan Fang On-sang will lead a team of officials to reply to criticism made by legislators. They will then vote on an amendment moved by Democratic Party chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming. Mr Lee urged legislators to express regret that Mr Tung had ignored livelihood issues and had failed to provide specific measures to stimulate the economy, solve unemployment and promote democracy.
