72% in favour of EU-treaty referendum: Poll

A new opinion poll shows a small majority in favour of backing any new European Treaty. Three quarters of voters say a referendum should be held.

The Red C Survey for the Sunday Business Post shows drops in support for Fine Gael and Labour, with gains for Sinn Féin and Independents.

Some 72% of voters say a referendum should be held on any European fiscal treaty, with 21% against a poll.

As EU leaders prepare for Monday's summit in Brussels, the Government says it is less likely the agreement will need to be put to the people.

If it were, 40% said they would support it, 36% are against and almost one in four voters - 24% - don't know.

When those are excluded, if the referendum were held now it would likely pass by 53% to 47%.

Support for the Government parties is down according to this poll, by 2 points to 30% for Fine Gael and by one point to 14% for Labour, leaving them as the party with the lowest support.

Fianna Fáil remain unchanged on 18%, Sinn Féin go up two to 17% and others are up one point to 21%.