Support for FG jumps 4%

A NEW opinion poll shows that support for Fine Gael has jumped 4% in recent weeks to 34%, despite the dramatic resignation this week of George Lee.

It also shows that only 10% of voters are satisfied with the Government.

The poll, taken during the week at the height of the Lee resignation controversy, also shows growing support for Fianna Fáil, although, at 27%, the party’s overall rating is still well below that of Fine Gael. Support for Labour has dropped by three points to 19% and the Greens have fallen a full three points to a mere 2%. The poll was taken before the resignation of Green Party Senator Déirdre de Búrca. Sinn Féin gain one to 8% and Independents are unchanged at 10%.

Satisfaction with the performance of Taoiseach Brian Cowen is also up marginally but still stands at a dismal 22%, with 83% dissatisfied with his performance and 4% undecided.

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore retains the highest satisfaction rating of any party leader, up two points to 54% while Enda Kenny has dropped three points, but remains ahead of both Cowen and Gormley.

One thousand voters were surveyed on Wednesday and Thursday for the Millward Brown/IMS poll on behalf of the Irish Independent. It follows a poll by Red C for the Sunday Business Post on January 30 which also put support for Fine Gael at 34% and a slight rise in support for Fianna Fáil.