Latest poll shows Sinn Féin is more popular than Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil combined
Delving down into the demographic breakdown of the poll, it shows that Sinn Féin now has the support of 41% of male voters and 36% of female voters. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
Sinn Féin has achieved its highest ever level of popular support and holds a commanding lead over the two other main parties, a new opinion poll reveals.
Amid rising public concern about the housing crisis, Sinn Féin on 36% is now more popular than Fine Gael (20%) and Fianna Fail (15%) combined.
The Red C poll conducted for the showed Sinn Féin’s support up two points compared to a month ago.
The full state of the parties is as follows: Sinn Féin 36% (up 2); Fine Gael 20% (down 1), Fianna Fáil 15% (down 1); Green Party 5% (up 1); Social Democrats 4% (down 1); Labour 3% (down 1); People Before Profit-Solidarity 3% (no change); Aontú 2% (no change); Independent TDs 11% (no change).
Delving down into the demographic breakdown of the poll, it shows that Sinn Féin now has the support of 41% of male voters and 36% of female voters.
The poll suggests it is the most popular party among younger and middle-aged voters, those most affected by the housing crisis.
It shows that 40% of 18-34-year-olds now support Sinn Féin, compared with 14% for Fianna Fáil and 13% for Fine Gael.
The Red C poll shows strong support for action on the housing crisis across a number of areas.
The poll also found overwhelming public support for changes to Central Bank lending rules for first-time buyers, better tax treatment for small landlords, and the introduction of a vacant home tax.
There is strong public support for pursuing a policy of reducing house prices.
The poll shows there is also strong public backing for a ban on the short-term letting of entire homes in rent pressure zones on platforms such as Airbnb.
When asked whether Central Bank rules which limit most first-time buyers to borrowing a maximum of 3.5 times their annual salary should change, 82% of people said first-time buyers should be allowed to borrow more than 3.5 times their salary if they can show a history of high rental payments.
A total of 85% of those polled also want to reduce the size of the deposit required for first-time buyers if they can prove their ability to make payments.
The poll also shows that there is strong public support for a vacant home tax, with 77% of people saying they want it introduced as soon as possible.
The Government is due to make a decision in the October budget on whether to proceed with the introduction of a vacant home tax.
Red C says it interviewed a random sample of 1,002 adults aged 18+ online between Friday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 25.
