Satisfaction rating soars for Taoiseach

There has been a huge increase in satisfaction with Enda Kenny since he became Taoiseach, according to a new opinion poll.

The Irish Independent survey also shows Fine Gael gaining substantially since the election - at the expense of Independents.

The Millward Brown Lansdowne poll for the Irish Independent puts Fine Gael on 42% - up 6 points on their General Election result.

Labour remains the same on 19%, Fianna Fáil drop 1% to 16%, Sinn Féin go up one to 11%, with Independents and others down 4% to 13%.

The poll was carried out between Saturday and Monday across all constituencies.

It also shows a big boost for An Taoiseach. Satisfaction with Enda Kenny is up 26 points to 65%.

Satisfaction with Eamon Gilmore and Gerry Adams is also up, while Micheál Martin remains unchanged.

Voters are split on the performance of the Government - 49% satisfied, 42% dis-satisfied - with the remainder saying they do not know.