Is mentioning his name the way to get better results?

In a specially commissioned YouGov poll a few days ago the SNP found that voters in Scotland divided two to one in saying that the affair had enhanced Scotland’s reputation.

Just look at the question however. It read “Do you believe Nelson Mandela’s comments in support for the release of Abdelbaset Ali ohmed Al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds has enhanced or damaged Scotland’s reputation internationally?”

This reminded me of a famous poll of Londoners four and a half years ago commissioned on behalf of the campaign to secure the 2012 Olympic games for the capital. This was the series of questions in the order that they were put:-

“Are you aware that Nelson Mandela recently came out in support of London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games?” YES 60% NO 39%

“To what extent do you agree or disagree with Nelson Mandela’s view that because London is a diverse city, providing a home to hundreds of different nationalities, it would be the best place to hold the Olympic Games.” AGREE 72% DISAGREE 13%

“Would you support or oppose London being chosen as the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games?” SUPPORT 79% OPPOSE 13%

I wonder what both the SNP and the London Olympic polls would have produced without the mention of Nelson Mandela?

Mike Smithson