Martin ‘not phased’ by static polls

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has insisted he is "not phased" by polls showing his party failing to close the gap on the Government, and has rejected claims he will have to consider his own position if he cannot secure one of two imminent Dáil by-election seats.

The latest Red C poll at the weekend showed that, despite a surge forward in May’s local elections, Fianna Fáil’s overall popularity is static on 18%.

The situation means the party trails Fine Gael on 28% (up 3%), Sinn Féin on 23% (up 1%) and a cluster of Independents /Others on 23% (down 5%).