Ahern's popularity on the up: Poll

The Taoiseach and the Government’s popularity have both risen by 11% since last September, according to an opinion poll published this morning.

The Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll put support for the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition at 38% and the Taoiseach’s popularity rating at 47%.

The poll put support for Fianna Fáil at 33%, up three points since September, but the PDs' popularity fell two points to just 3%.

This morning’s poll brings mixed news for Fine Gael. The party’s support has fallen one point to 21%, but party leader Enda Kenny’s popularity is up two points to 31%.

The Labour Party’s support fell two points to 17%, the Green Party was up one point to 5% and Sinn Féin was up two points to 12%.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte saw his popularity rating jump five points to 48%, while Green Party leader Trevor Sergeant’s popularity also jumped five points to 35%.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, however, continued to have the highest approval rating of 51%, up 8% since September.