What love scandal? Voters overwhelmingly back Gladys Berejiklian despite explosive revelations about her secret romance with disgraced MP Daryl Maguire
Gladys Berejiklian can sleep a little easier knowing most voters think she should stay in office despite explosive revelations about her secret romance with disgraced MP Daryl Maguire.
The Ipsos poll found 63 per cent of respondents think the NSW Premier should keep her job.
Ms Berejiklian had a nightmare two weeks after embarrassing details were made public at Independent Commission Against Corruption hearings.
The premier had hoped to one day marry Daryl Maguire, 61, a Wagga Wagga representative, but instead she was forced to sack him in 2018 after learning he was making dodgy deals.
A majority of voters are happy with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian . 63 per cent of those polled want her in the top job despite her secret love scandal
Gladys Berejiklian flanked by Wagga Wagga member Daryl Maguire and NSW former premier Barry O'Farrell in happier times
Disgraced former member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire pictured giving evidence at the ICAC hearings earlier this month. The revelations of their relationship embarrassed Ms Berejiklian
The Ministerial Code of Conduct states that a conflict of interest, which must be disclosed, applies to a minister's family 'or anyone else in an intimate personal relationship', giving rise to calls for her to resign.
However, Ms Berejiklian had the intimate details of her private life laid bare in a nightmare that earned her the sympathy of female and older voters.
Of the 63 per cent of voters do not believe Ms Berejiklian should quit, support was higher among women (70 per cent) and people aged over 40 (70 per cent).
Ms Berejiklian has since said she has 'given up on love indefinitely'.
The Ipsos poll, conducted for 9News and the Sydney Morning Herald, found 64 per cent of respondents say they approve of Ms Berejiklian as NSW Premier.
A majority of 58 per cent want to see Ms Berejiklian in the top job while only 22 per cent want to see Opposition Leader Jody McKay take over.
However she has not got off without repercussions as 71 per cent of those polled said Ms Berejiklian's reputation had been damaged 'a great deal' or 'a fair amount' by her dalliance with Mr Maguire.
Her strongest performance was among voter perceptions of her handling of the coronavirus crisis, with 74 per cent of respondents satisfied while only 17 per cent are dissatisfied.