Poll slump a blow to Kenny

Support for Fine Gael has fallen according to the latest opinion poll published this morning, but Fianna Fáil has gained some ground.

The IPSOS/MRBI poll in today's Irish Times shows Fianna Fáil up 3% since June to 24, while Fine Gael drop 3% and are level with the main coalition partners on 24%.

Labour have gained 4 points to put them out in front on 33%.

Sinn Féin and the Greens both lost 2% each to 8 and 2 points respectively.

Satisfaction with the Government goes up marginally by one point to 13%, with a similar personal satisfaction increase for the Taoiseach Brian Cowen to 19, while Enda Kenny goes from 24 to 25 and Eamon Gilmore from 46 to 49%.

The Greens' John Gormley is now the least popular leader in the country dropping three points to 18%.

Fine Gael is dismissing suggestions the results will put further pressure on party leader Kenny.