Doherty defends Adams after poll slump

Sinn Féin is adamant that Gerry Adams will lead them into the next election, despite a poor showing in today's IPSOS/MRBI poll, according to finance spokesman Pearse Doherty.

The survey saw Adams' personal satisfaction rating drop eight points to 29%.

Sinn Féin has also lost its position as the second most popular party in the country to Fianna Fáil.

Despite the figures, Doherty said that the Louth TD is still the one to lead them to the next polling day.

"He is again, still, one of the most popular leaders here in the 26 counties, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"These ratings go up and down. I think he's still more popular than Micheál Martin or Eamon Gilmore."