Ahern ‘heartened’ by opinion poll results

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said he was "heartened" by the results of an opinion poll this morning that showed his support had increased 11% since last September.

The poll put Mr Ahern’s personal approval rating at 47%.

It also said the Government’s popularity had increased by 11% since September, from 27% to 38%.

Responding to the poll, Mr Ahern said it showed that the Government was doing a satisfactory job.

He also repeated his refusal to enter coalition with Sinn Féin while the IRA continued to exist.

This morning’s poll showed that Sinn Féin’s support had risen by two points to 12% since last September, while Gerry Adams’ popularity had increased by eight points to 51%.