Sinn Féin and Fine Gael draw level in polls

Sinn Féin and Fine Gael are now the joint most popular parties in Ireland, according to the first opinion poll since the local and European elections.

In addition, despite the controversy over the arrest of Gerry Adams in connection with the murder of Jean McConville, he was the only party leader to see an improvement in the popularity ratings among voters.

Reflecting the trends in last month’s elections, Sinn Féin and Independent candidates particularly are capitalising on a backlash by voters against the traditional mainstream parties and bailout-imposed austerity measures.