OSLO - Jens Stoltenberg, whose government and party were targeted by last week's deadly attacks, has been unanimously hailed for his dignified and quintessentially Norwegian handling of the crisis aftermath.

According to a poll published on Wednesday, 94 percent of Norwegians have been satisfied with the prime minister's performance in the aftermath of last week's massacre while only 2 percent have been dissatisfied.

"Stoltenberg has been a fantastic leader under exceptional circumstances, humane and yet firm at the same time. He has never been so impressive," said Harald Stanghelle, a columnist for the leading Aftenposten daily.

When a massive car bomb exploded outside his office on Friday afternoon, the 52-year-old was rushed into hiding by his security detail for fear that his life was in danger.

But since the arrest of the self-confessed perpetrator of the attacks several hours later, Stoltenberg has rarely left the public glare - whether visiting survivors and victims' families, leading a grieving nation in observing a minute's silence or addressing an international press pack.

In his first news conference after the attacks, Stoltenberg was adamant that despite the killing of 76 of his compatriots - many of whom were known personally by the prime minister - the country would cling to its core values.

"Norway is a tight-knit, small country and when this kind of catastrophe hits us this strengthens our country and that is something that will help us through this difficult time," he told reporters.

"The message to whoever attacked us, the message from all of Norway is that you will not destroy us, you will not destroy our democracy and our ideals for a better world."

Agence France-Presse