Irish Examiner Rural Ireland Thinks poll: Simon Harris most popular party leader

Irish Examiner/Ipsos Rural Ireland Thinks poll will make worrying reading for Mary Lou McDonald who has seen support for Sinn Féin and her leadership of the party slip in recent months

Taoiseach Simon Harris, who has spent much of the summer recess visiting agricultural shows, festivals, and community events across the country, is now the most popular party leader among rural voters, according to a new an Irish Examiner/Ipsos rural Ireland poll. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Fine Gael is the most popular party among rural voters, with concerns for Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin ahead of the general election, an exclusive Irish Examiner poll shows.

With the budget looming and speculation on a November general election at fever pitch, Taoiseach Simon Harris has seen support for his party rise to 27% among farmers and those living in rural Ireland.