Sinn Féin now just one point ahead of Fine Gael in latest opinion poll

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald (PA)

Rebecca Black

A new opinion poll has suggested that Fine Gael is just one percentage point behind Sinn Féin in terms of support.

The Red C poll for the Business Post indicates that after dominating polls in recent years, Sinn Féin’s support has dropped to 23pc.

It comes shortly before voters will be called to go to the polls in both European and local government elections. The next general election must take place before March 22 next year.

The latest poll suggests Sinn Féin’s support dropped by four percentage points since last month, and has fallen from 36pc in May 2022.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (Damien Storan/PA)

Meanwhile Fine Gael’s support appears to be growing since electing Simon Harris as leader in March following the resignation of Leo Varadkar.

The latest poll has put Fine Gael support at 22pc, up by two percentage points from last month, and up by four points in total since Mr Harris took the reins.

Support for Fianna Fáil was put at 15pc, and support for independent candidates at 19pc.

Support for the Social Democrats was put at 5pc, the Green Party and Labour both at 4pc and People Before Profit-Solidarity and Aontu both at 3pc.

The Red C poll is described as based on interviews with a random sample of 1,021 adults online between May 17-22.