Coalition gets poll boost

The Government had an opinion poll boost today when a survey showed both parties in the administration improving their support just two months ahead of a general election.

Figures in the Irish Times highlighted increasing backing for Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats since the last similar statistics five weeks ago.

In contrast, the Market Research Bureau of Ireland (MRBI) returns indicate a further slump in support for Fine Gael.

Fianna Fáil’s poll showing went up one point to 42%, with Fine Gael down one, to 20%; Labour at 12%, up one; Independent 9%, down two; Sinn Féin 8%, unchanged; Greens 5%, unchanged; Progressive Democrats 4%, up one.

Bertie Ahern’s personal popularity rating was put at 67%, down one; Ms Harney 56%, up two; Labour leader Ruairi Quinn 41%, unchanged; and Mr Noonan 29%, down two.

Mr Ahern is expected to call an election in early May after leading his Government for close on five years, the longest-running administration in Ireland’s peacetime history.