Sinn Féin's popularity drops as impact of Hutch trial hits support

Sinn Féin led by its President Mary Lou McDonald had seen its support surge upward consistently since the 2020 General Election.

Coverage of Jonathan Dowdall’s conversations with Gareth Hutch while under surveillance included Dowdall’s criticism of Mary Lou McDonald for not attending the funeral of Eddie Hutch, the brother of Gerry Hutch. Picture: Damien Storan/PA Wire

Sinn Féin’s popular support has fallen to its lowest level in over a year to 31%, while Fine Gael has been given a boost ahead of re-taking the Taoiseach’s office, according to a new national opinion poll.

Sinn Féin led by its President Mary Lou McDonald has seen its support surge upward consistently since the 2020 General Election but its first major reversal since September 2021 sees it down four points from a high of 35%, according to the latest Red C poll published in the Business Post.