Labour surge as double dip hits leaders

A MAJOR double dip in popularity hit the Taoiseach and Enda Kenny last night as Labour surged past them.

The dismal opinion poll ratings for both men threatens to re-ignite fierce debate within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over whether a change of leadership is needed before the general election.

Voters appeared to have called time on Brian Cowen as outrage over his disastrous radio appearance left the Taoiseach’s authority severely damaged. More than seven in 10 people told the first opinion poll since the infamous Morning Ireland incident that the furore had badly affected Mr Cowen’s credibility.