New poll shows surge in support for FG

A new opinion poll published this morning puts Fine Gael in touching distance of forming a single-party government after the election.

The Irish Independent/Millward Browne Landsdowne poll shows a massive surge in support for Enda Kenny's party in the past fortnight, while Fianna Fáil, Labour and Sinn Féin have all suffered a decline.

When compared to a similar poll taken a fortnight ago support for Fine Gael has gone up by eight percentage points to 38%.

In that same period support for Fianna Fáil fell back to 12%, down four; Labour is on 23%, down 1; Sinn Féin is on 10%, down 3; Independents are up 1 to 16% and the Greens are unchanged on 1%.

If those figures were repeated on polling day Fine Gael would be close to forming a government without the help of Labour.

However even though his party's support has declined, the most popular party leader in the country is now Micheál Martin on 42%, down 2.

He has overtaken Eamon Gilmore who has a satisfaction rating of 41%, down 5.

While Mr Kenny is the only party leader to improve his rating - up 3 to 30%.