Excerpt: Fiji Ambassador on Lowy Institute Poll
Eddie Walsh: - The Lowy Institute's 2011 Fiji poll probably had some impact on Western government perceptions. Even if it was rejected by some, it was recognized as a legitimate poll. How big of an impact do you think it had on the Australian government approach to Fiji?
Ambassador Winston Thompson: - I am sure behind the scenes it had a big effect even though they did not admit it publicly. I am sure (the poll) would have influenced thinking within (the Australian government). But, because of the political sensitivities at the time, they couldn’t admit it.
