Sinn Féin and Social Democrats lead the way in Dublin Central by-election poll

Sinn Féin's Janice Boylan

Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats are in a battle to claim victory in the Dublin Central by-election according to a new poll.

An Irish Times/TG4 opinion poll of the constituency shows that Sinn Féin councillor Janice Boylan leads polling on 21% of votes, followed by Social Democrat councillor Daniel Ennis on 18%, with Gerard The Monk Hutch on 14% and Fine Gael's Ray McAdam on 13%.

However, while Ms Boylan leads on first preferences, Mr Ennis leads on seconds with 15% of people saying that their number two choice will go to him, with 10% opting for Ms Boylan and 8% each for Mr Hutch and Mr McAdam. Green Party councillor Janet Horner, who sits fifth on 8% is the second most transfer-friendly candidate on 14% of second preferences.

Independent councillor Malachy Steenson is polling at 7% of votes, with 10% second preferences, Labour's Ruth O'Dea is on 6% with 7% seconds, while Fianna Fáil's John Stephens and People Before Profit's Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin are on 4% and 3%, respectively, with each polling at 8% when it comes to second preferences.

A third of voters told pollsters that the cost of living is their main concern in the election. Voting takes place on Friday, May 22.

The survey was conducted by phone among a sample of 659 adults in the constituency on behalf of TG4 and The Irish Times by Ipsos B&A and has a margin of error of plus or minus four points.