British Prime Minister Tony Blair?s ruling Labour Party is on course to win the May 5 election, according to a poll published yesterday. The Populus survey for the Times newspaper and broadcaster ITV News put Labour on 39 percent, the Conservative Party on 33 and the Liberal Democrats on 21.

A similar poll in Tuesday?s Times put Labour on 40 and the Conservatives on 31. Most polls suggest Blair is on course to secure a third term, but they differ over how big his majority in parliament would be if he were to win. Blair won the last two elections in 1997 and 2001 with big majorities, but his public approval ratings slumped over his support for the Iraq war. The Times poll found the three biggest influences on voters? intentions were public services, Blair and tax/public spending. Populus interviewed a random sample of 1,424 adults aged over 18 by telephone between April 15 and 18.