Gallagher support surges as Mitchell, Norris suffer

Labour's Michael D Higgins is leading the race to be the next President of Ireland, according to a new opinion poll published today which also shows a surge in support for Seán Gallagher.

However the big losers from the Ipso MRBI poll are Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell and Independent David Norris.

Taken on Monday and Tuesday prior to this weeks' TV3 debate, the polll puts Labour's Higgins on 23%, up five points from the previous poll in the series taken in July.

However Independent Gallagher has put in a strong performance, rising seven points to 20%.

He is followed very closely by Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness on 19%.

In fourth is Mary Davis, unchanged on 12%.

However support for Senator Norris appears to have slumped amid ongoing controversies surrounding his candidacy. Senator Norris polled 11% support in the latest survey, down from 25% in July.

Behind the Senator is FG's Mitchell, tumbling 12 points to 9% as voters appear turned off by his combative attacks on rival McGuinness.

Bringing up the rear is Dana Rosemary Scallon on 6%.

Another poll due out at lunchtime today, this time from Red C, may indicate if the second of the televised debates on Tuesday night has had a marked effect on voter opinion.