The latest iteration of the Red C poll has shown Fine Gael as the most popular party in the country and Sinn Féin continuing its decline. Fine Gael at 23 per cent (+2 per cent), with Fianna Fáil (-1 per cent) and Sinn Féin (-2 per cent) both on 18 per cent. The Taoiseach has adamantly maintained in public that the government intends to run its full term until February 2025. Micheál Martin has largely held the same line. However, when speaking to reporters at Fianna Fáil’s annual think-in on Tuesday, he said that “there’s not much difference between November and February”.
Ultimately, the decision on when to call an election is entirely within the discretion of the Taoiseach. It is known that most Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil backbench TDs favour a November election and certain of Harris’ advisers are also counselling him that an early election is preferable from a strategic perspective.
Furthermore, the latest Irish Times/Ipsos opinion poll highlighted how support for Sinn Féin has decreased since the last poll was conducted, with support for Mary Lou McDonald also sharply falling by 6 per cent. In this poll, support for Fine Gael stood at 27 per cent (+4 per cent), Sinn Féin at 20 per cent (-3 per cent), and Fianna Fáil at 19 per cent (-1 per cent). Additionally, government satisfaction has increased by 9 per cent to reach 40 per cent, meaning that voter’s satisfaction with the current Coalition performance is improving.
In terms of party leader, Taoiseach Simon Harris has seen the largest increase in support with his personal ratings surging by 17 points, to reach 55 per cent. Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, stands in second place at 47 per cent, while Roderic O’Gorman stands at 17 per cent. With Mary Lou McDonald’s popularity falling, this is also the lowest level of support that Sinn Féin has seen since before the last general election in 2020. mers, and the environment. Through this new legislation, the EU reaffirms its dedication to promoting a more sustainable and circular economy.
