Poll: FG retains 10-point lead

Fine Gael has managed to retain a 10-point lead over Fianna Fáil in the latest opinion poll.

The Red C poll shows that support for Fine Gael has held steady over the past month despite major political upheaval.

It has managed to stay at 35%, in the wake of the passing of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum, the forced resignation of Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue over the expenses scandal and calls from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny for the abolition of the Seanad.

It is only the second time the party has had that rating since the Red C poll began.

There was a slight jump in support for Fianna Fáil, up one point to 25%.

The Labour party was also up one to 19%.

Sinn Fein too increased by one to 9%.

But support for the Greens was down one to 3% in the wake of the re-negotiated programme for government.

Independents were also down, falling two to 9%.