MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Kirchner's administration image looses 13 points.

The Argentine president Nestor Kirchner administration image has dropped 13 points in the last four months, but the standing of the President himself remains solid, according to the latest opinion poll published this Sunday in Buenos Aires.

Insecurity is the overwhelming concern for those interviewed, 87,5%, followed at a distance by education and unemployment, each with 23,3% and health 16,6%.

The public opinion consulting company Equis which regularly publishes polls in La Nacion, established that 63% of those polled still have a positive opinion of the Kirchner administration, 13 points less that the 76,2% of last January and the best reading ever. The poll also shows that the government's performance is not so good for 22,3%, and 12,9% believe it's definitively negative.

However President Kirchner's standing remains above eighty at 83,4%, five points less that last February, 89,3%, and close to the 84,4% of the beginning of his term last May.

He's followed by Juan Carlos Blumberg, 70,5%, the father of a young 21 year old student killed by his kidnappers and who is helping unravel with grass root support, (almost three million signatures requesting changes in the law), the close ties between corrupt policemen, prosecutors and even judges.

The First Lady, Cristina Fernández Kirchner has a strong 69,7% public opinion support and Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna, 53,4%.

Artemio López from Equis argued that contrary to some opposition critics, the image of President Kirchner remains extremely robust.

"People don't let him go because he's the only one in the centre of the political stage. There are no alternative opposition leaders", emphasizes Mr. Lopez.

The recent security measures and changes introduced by government in response to the Blumberg kidnapping case received a warm support from public opinion.

Mr. Kirchner is seen as the political leader who by far better interprets public opinion feeling in security matters, 46,6% and is followed by almost inexistent ratings all below the five points mark.

As to the naming of a Special Security Director in the province of Buenos Aires, 39,4% consider it a positive move that could improve the situation, and 15,7% insist things will worsen. Regarding measures to improve the security situation, 85,2% of those interviewed said that "a police renovation" is essential; 76,8% favour harsher punishments and 73,2% lowering the responsibility age.

A possible Armed Forces logistic support to combat street and violent crime is seen as positive by 48,9% of those interviewed but rejected by 36,4%.

As to the energy crisis, 89,2% are convinced that, in spite of the government's denial, public utility rates will increase, and 85,2% feel that even with higher prices, the energy crisis will persist.

The poll was takes last week and 600 people from the capital Buenos Aires and metropolitan Buenos Aires were interviewed.