Support for Fianna Fáil remains strong despite Lisbon struggle

Support for Fianna Fáil remains unchanged at 42%, according to the latest TNS/MRBI opinion poll published in today's Irish Times.

The survey shows that Fianna Fáil's popularity hasn't been dinted by tightening budgets, the struggling Lisbon campaign and Bertie Ahern's appearance at the Mahon Tribunal.

The main opposition party Fine Gael has dropped three points in the popularity stakes, down to 23%, since the last poll three weeks ago.

Political Correspondent with the Irish Times Mark Hennessy, said Fianna Fáil have had varying fortunes in recent times, which have contributed to the result.

“(They) have had crunches to exchequer finances tightening up, and obviously the difficulties with the Lisbon campaign, but on the other hand they did have the honeymoon period of Brian Cowen’s accession and the sunset tour of Mr Ahern in his final weeks as party leader,” Mr Hennessy said.