Connolly takes commanding lead over Humphreys in presidential race, new poll shows

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly holds a strong lead just over a week before polling day

Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys (left) and independent candidate Catherine Connolly during a debate on The Week in Politics at RTE studios in Donnybrook, Dublin. 

Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has opened up a significant lead over her main rival, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll.

The Galway West TD is backed by 38% of respondents, putting her well ahead of Ms Humphreys on 20%, with just over a week remaining before voters head to the polls on October 24.

Former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin, who has since withdrawn from the race, is on 5%, while 18% of those surveyed said they remain undecided.

A further 12% of respondents said they do not plan to vote, and 6% indicated they will spoil their ballot.

The poll, which surveyed 1,200 voters between Sunday and Tuesday, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8%.

The figures suggest Ms Connolly is the clear front runner in what has been a relatively low-key campaign to date.

The survey also indicates that second-preference votes from Mr Gavin’s supporters — whose name will still appear on the ballot — are likely to split evenly between Ms Connolly and Ms Humphreys.

Meanwhile, 67% of respondents said they believed Mr Gavin made the right decision in stepping out of the race.

Polling for the presidential election takes place nationwide next Thursday, October 24, with counting expected to begin the following morning.