Opposition Leader Tilman Thomas has dismissed as "classic Keith Mitchell propaganda" the published findings of a poll commissioned by the ruling New National Party (NNP).

In reacting to the poll, Thomas said that the real story from the poll was more the events leading up to the commissioning of the poll than the actual published findings, which he charged were "filtered and pruned" by Dr. Mitchell himself.

"The poll was commissioned against the backdrop of considerable doubt within the ranks of the NNP as to the suitability of Mitchell to lead the party into general elections, given his less than "squeaky clean" image when it comes to honesty and integrity in public life", he added.

It (the poll) sends a message to his detractors in the NNP that he is willing to go to all lengths to hold on to power, even if it means cooking a poll in his favor," Thomas insisted.

Thomas who is the Political Leader of the main opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintained that while not casting aspersions on the integrity of the pollsters, it is interesting that no mention was made of the overall desire for change in the country or the perception persons had of the leaders of both major parties in relation to honesty, decency and integrity.

According to Thomas, this is nothing but "a classic case of 'he who pays the fiddler, calling the tune"."Mitchell asked the specific questions that he wanted answers to, and he published components of the answers that made him unassailable in the battle for leadership of the NNP going into the election.

"My position in relation to this public relations exercise is simple: If Mitchell believes his own propaganda, he should call elections within the next 21 days and put Grenada out of its misery."In 2002, Mitchell published polls, which showed he was winning 14 out of 15 seats. All of what his polls are saying now, they said back then and I came within six votes of taking the government from him.

"I am today calling his bluff! If he believes the nonsense that he is having published, then I dare him to dissolve Parliament and call an election right away. The NDC Leader insisted that there was a fundamental difference between persons believing that the Commission of Enquiry was a waste of time and money and their believing that there was something wrong that needed investigating.

"Technically, what the people are saying is that a government convened commission, conducted in a government determined manner under the guidance of a government appointed Commissioner was not a reliable way of getting at the truth", he said.

Thomas stated that the NDC was not worried by the "propagandistic effort" of the NNP, as candidates belonging to Congress were already on the ground in their respective constituencies and in touch with voters on a daily basis.

"We know what the people out there are saying. We hear their cries and feel their pain. We know their sense of betrayal and their outrage over repeated incidents of corruption and malfeasance in public office by this NNP administration", he said.

"I agree with the majority of voters who did not declare their hand. The message that they too are sending to Mitchell is that if he wants to know where they stand, he should call the election now", he added.

Prime Minister Mitchell who enjoys a narrow 8-7 majority in parliament, has until late next year to call general elections.