In a poll made by Norstat for public broadcaster NRK, 47 per cent of those asked say they are opposed to drilling for oil off Lofoten and Vesteraalen, while 33 per cent say they are for.

Exploratory drilling in the Lofoten/Vesteraalen waters has become a hot issue in the ongoing election campaign. The right-wing Progress Party (FrP) is in favour of drilling for oil, while several other parties are strongly opposed to drilling in the vulnerable fishing grounds.

FrP-leader Siv Jensen says she is willing to ask for a public referendum on the issue.

(NRK)

Rolleiv Solholm