Irish Examiner poll - Signs say coalition will be returned

WITH the Coalition under growing pressure, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern would be lying if he feigned disinterest in the findings of today’s Irish Examiner poll, the most up-to-date snapshot of how voters rate the political parties.

Three years ago, few predicted the Fianna Fáil-PD marriage would end up mired in problems ranging from the Eddie Hobbs factor and local election setbacks to ministerial controversies, plus a re-oriented opposition offering voters a tantalising prospect of alternative government.

Facing a general election in less than 18 months, Fianna Fáil will take solace from the national opinion poll conducted by Lansdowne Market Research.