Fianna Fail still ahead - poll

An opinion poll published tonight indicates a continued lead ahead of Friday’s general election for Fianna Fail.

Figures produced for the Irish Times newspaper by the Market Research Bureau of Ireland showed unchanged Fianna Fail support since the last recent poll less than a week ago, of 45%.

But there was a 2% drop in backing for Fine Gael to 21%.

The poll results were released just 30 minutes ahead of a liveTV debate between Mr Ahern and Fine Gael chief Mr Noonan.

All but one other opinion poll undertaken since Mr Ahern called the election have suggested the premier’s party could secure its first overall majority in the Dail for well over 20 years.

Tonight’s figures, after the elimination of a 12% don’t-know factor, put the Labour Party unchanged at 12%, the Progressive Democrats at 2%, the Green Party at 3%, both unchanged, Sinn Fein at 7%, up 1%, and others 10%, up 2%.

On the personal popularity front, Mr Ahern was on 70%, a rise of 1%, Mr Noonan 31%, up 1%, Tanaiste and PD leader Mary Harney on 57%, up 5%, Labour’s Ruairi Quinn, 45%, up 3%, the Green’s Trevor Sargent 35%, unchanged, and Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams at 51%, up 3%.