Sinn Féin support boosted by Áras debate

THE controversy raging over Martin McGuinness’ IRA past has helped boost Sinn Féin to record levels of popularity.

The party is now the second-most supported in the state, with the backing of 18% of voters, after its ratings in the latest snapshot of opinion almost doubled.

Sinn Féin overtook Labour after the Coalition partner dipped one point to 17%, while the once-dominant Fianna Fáil trailed in a dismal fourth place as its support dropped 2% to stand at 16% in the Ipsos/MRBI Irish Times poll.