Fianna Fáil support plunges, gains for Sinn Féin and Social Democrats

James Cox

Fianna Fáil's support has slumped to just 15 per cent, its lowest level since the last general election.

That is according to the latest Red C poll for the Business Post, which shows the party down three points this month.

Fine Gael recovered slightly to 18 per cent, but together the Coalition parties now sit at a record low of 33 per cent.

Sinn Féin is the largest party in the poll on 24 per cent, while the Social Democrats hit a record high of 10 per cent.

That means their combined support would be on 34 per cent.

While the next general election is still four years away, it is an ominous sign for the Government as opposition parties continue to grow their popularity.

The 10 per cent figure is a huge boost for Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns.

The poor showing for Fianna Fáil is also likely to increase pressure on Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin.

Backbench TDs are said to be increasingly frustrated at the party leadership, particularly in the wake of their disastrous presidential election which saw Jim Gavin drop out early.

In a recent interview with BreakingNews.ie, Cork East TD James O'Connor said: "Micheál Martin takes zero notice of what Fianna Fáil backbenchers say, that is my personal position, he knows I think that."

In further bad news for Mr Martin, the poll also found that the majority of voters want to see him replaced as Fianna Fáil leader next year.

Forty-six per cent of voters said he should not lead the party when the Taoiseach’s Office rotates in 2027.