Poll reveals less than half support Seanad abolition

Up to 49% of voters said they support the abolition of the Seanad, according to a new opinion poll.

The survey by Red C for Paddy Power found 36% were in favour of keeping the upper house, while 15% said they don't know.

The percentage of those who said they will vote for abolition is down by 3% on a poll in June.

Earlier in the summer the Seanad passed a bill providing for a referendum on its own abolition.

Those in favour tend to reside in the Connacht-Ulster regions, while Dublin is split 50/50 for and against.

Support for abolition is particularly high amongst Fine Gael and Sinn Féin supporters, while Fianna Fáil and Independents are more likely to be in opposition.