A Dose of Realism

It seems that despite the hype about London's chances of winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics, members of Parliament are somewhat more sanguine.

In a survey of 204 MPs, carried out by CommunicateResearch, 72 per cent were "not particularly confident" or "not at all confident" that London will win.

Not one MP said that he or she was "very confident" that London will succeed.

This is a setback to the London bid, as it needs to persuade the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it has widespread public support.

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, was quoted as saying:

"Public support is critical...We have to demonstrate that the people of the UK are behind this bid and will be enthusiastic supporters of a Games in 2012."