Áras front-runner Gallagher 'taking nothing for granted'

Presidential race front-runner Sean Gallagher has said he takes nothing for granted, despite a substantial advantage in the latest opinion poll.

The Independent candidate has soared by 18 points to 39% in the Red C survey published in today's Sunday Business Post.

Labour's Michael D Higgins is in second place on 27%, up two points since last week.

Martin McGuinness is down 3% to 13%, Gay Mitchell is on 8%, while support for David Norris has plummeted from 14% to 7%.

Mary Davis is on 4%, while Dana Rosemary Scallon trails on 2%.

Independent candidates David Norris and Mary Davis said they were not greatly concerned about polls.

Senator Norris said: "There's no point being anxious, is there? I can't affect it by being anxious and I only believe in taking up a position when I can actually have an impact".

Mary Davis said: "Anything can happen in a day or a week in this election…(The polls) are only a snapshot."