A small street poll yesterday by the Western Advocate had the public almost split down the middle on whether the Labor Government’s time was up or if the Coalition had the people to do a better job.

Asked who she would vote for if an election was held tomorrow, Sheena Rigby was adamant the halls of the State Parliament needed to be swept clean.

“There is no way that Labor should get back in,” she said.

“We are already in so much debt and the hospitals are falling a part. It is time to give the Liberals a go.”

Maree McCauley agreed.

“I think it is time for a change. Barry O’Farrell deserves a go,” she said.

“Our area is doing OK but across the state Labor is not up to par.”

“I’m not sure how the Labor Government got back in last time,” Ngairetta Oakley added.

“We are in that much debt at the moment, we need to make changes.”

But yesterday’s findings should not have Coalition supporters jumping for joy just yet, with a number of voters concerned the Opposition would do no better in power.

“I would vote Labor, not because they are doing a good job but because I don’t see a viable Opposition at the moment,” Col Taylor said.

For Ralph Bonham, there was no question who he would vote for.

“I’ve always voted Labor and I’m not going to change,” he said.

“There is no way that I would support the Coalition. Things could be better, but I’ve voted Labor all my life.”

On a local level, though, signs looked good for Bathurst MP Gerard Martin with even those undecided voters praising his efforts.

“I haven’t done much thinking about the election but Gerard Martin is doing a good job,” Allan Morecom said.

While saying he does not follow politics all that closely, Greg Bell acknowledged he had seen Gerard Martin making his presence felt in the electorate.

“I’m aware of Gerard Martin being here in the community,” he said.

“You do see him around and I’ve even chatted to him at a few functions.”

Meanwhile, Premier Nathan Rees did not fair as well, with more people polled feeling sorry for him rather than inspired by his leadership.

“Rees is really having a tough time of it,” Mr Taylor said.

“I think his Cabinet are all acting desperate and put protecting themselves in front of running the state.

“There is no way that I would want his job.”