Big parties welcome opinion poll results
The latest Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll shows satisfaction ratings for the Government, for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and for Tánaiste Mary Harney at their highest levels since the General Election in 2002.
And in a significant boost for Fine Gael, the levels of satisfaction for its leader Enda Kenny has jumped by 13 points to 46%. This compares to a popularity rating of only 28% when he was first elected leader in the autumn of 2002.
And while the Labour Party's support levels have fallen consistently from 22% in May 2003 to 13% yesterday, the party will take some consolation from the high satisfaction rating for its leader Pat Rabbitte, up five points to 49%.
Sinn Fein's incremental rise in support has continued. The party's core level of support is the same as Labour's and, in the adjusted figures, its figure is at 12%.
Both the PDs and the Green Party show one point drops in support, to 3% and 4% respectively.
However, while the support levels for Fianna Fáil have bounced back 3% since the June election, the party is still seven points short of the support levels it got in the 2002 General Election.
The adjusted figure shows the Fianna Fáil/PD coalition with 38% would not win as much support as the combined vote of FG/Labour/Greens, which would win 41% of the vote, if the findings were to be carried through to a General Election.
Interestingly, respondents were divided when asked which of the two alternative coalitions they would prefer, with both combinations attracting 31% support levels.
The good showing for the Government may reflect reaction to last week's reshuffle in addition to positive economic figures.
Responding to the poll, Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt welcomed the findings but referred to the need for the Coalition to successfully complete its programme for Government.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte attributed the Government showing to the fact the poll took place immediately after the reshuffle.
"It followed immediately on from the election of a new Government after weeks and weeks of speculation and comment and acres of media speculation."
He agreed the internal Labour Party spat over the presidential election was a "negative factor".
He was satisfied at his own ratings and argued FF levels were still at their lowest levels of all time.
Fine Gael's Enterprise spokesman said the trend of support for Mr Kenny vindicated the fact he'd had a good summer and election.
