Satisfaction with Government drops to lowest level, according to new poll

Sinn Féin remains the country's most popular party, according to the new data

Sinn Féin is on course to be the country's most popular party in the next election, leading the way in the latest poll with 34%. From left, Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar, and Mary Lou McDonald. File Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Satisfaction with the Government has fallen to its lowest level in more than a year, according to a new poll released on Thursday. 

It comes two and a half weeks ahead of the announcement of Budget 2024.

Sinn Féin remains the country's most popular party according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos poll, leading the way with 34%. 

That places the party 14 points ahead of Fianna Fáil (20%) and 16 ahead of Fine Gael (18%), according to the poll of 1,200 adults.

With 18 months to go at most until the next general election, support for smaller parties, especially the Social Democrats has fallen. 

However, support for Independents has grown, at 22%. 

Meanwhile, the Green Party only received 3%, with the same for the Labour Party. 

Social Democrat received 2%, Solidarity-People Before Profit 2% and Aontú 1%. 

The poll was carried out at 120 sampling points across all constituencies between September 10-12, where respondents were interviewed at their homes.