08/05/2004 00:00
TW
0
By Humphrey Carter FOR the first time ever, the Balearic population is more concerned about international terrorism than employment, housing or education. The results of the latest opinion poll carried out by Gadeso, show that the Balearic population shares similar concerns to the rest of the country, where terrorism is also the primary worry. Last year, the main concern in the Balearics was personal safety, not it appears that the majority of people are more worried about safety at a global level.


Experts maintain that the international security fears have been sparked by the March 11 bomb attacks in Madrid.
Other key security problems the Balearics face, according to the public, are immigration, petty crime, drugs and personal safety.
The high cost of housing is also a main concern, along with international relations, the road network and the economic outlook in the Balearics.
Surprisingly, domestic violence and unemployment do not appear in the top five concerns.
In comparison to the mainland, where terrorism is till the number one concern, most people are more worried out the domestic terrorist problem caused by the Basque separatist group, rather than the Islamic threat.

Solutions to the international terrorist threat, according to the Balearic population are stopping Sharon, improving north-south relations, improving the security services and boosting the powers of the United Nations.

Only nine per cent believed that Spain should work closer with the United States. In the Balearics, the two main threats to personal safety are immigration, petty crime and drugs. One of the Gadeso analysts said that while domestic violence appears to be on the increase in the Balearics “in principle, it does not effect us, neither is our family or family environment at threat. However, that perception changes dramatically should we become a victim or domestic violence become a problem in our immediate environment.”