New opinion poll shows gains for Sinn Féin

A new opinion poll just out shows gains for Sinn Féin at the expense of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

There has been a slight improvement in the number of people satisfied with the coalition's performance - but almost three quarters of people remain unhappy with the Government.

The Milward Brown survey for the Sunday Independent shows Fianna Fáil remaining the most popular party on 26% - down a point on a month ago.

Fine Gael also goes down a point to 23%.

Sinn Féin are up three points to 19%, Labour are unchanged on 12, with independents and others also staying steady on 18%.

Some 19% are satisfied with the coalition's performance - up two points from a month ago, but 73% are dissatisfied.

Just 14% believe Labour should continue to support current Government policy.

There are slight improvements for the satisfaction ratings of all party leaders, but two thirds remain unhappy with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.

On abortion, 53% support the inclusion of the threat of suicide in the legislation, down from 58% a month ago.