Friday, May 19, 2006
Fianna Fáil in the Dáildrums
Things are looking grim right now for Bertie's boys and things are looking up now for Enda's entourage as the latest opinion poll in the Irish Times has shown growth in support for Fine Gael and a drop in support for Fianna Fáil.While I've closed United Irelander's poll which had 67% saying Fine Gael shouldn't be returned to power, 19% undecided and just 14% in favour of the party, in contrast the first tns/MRBI poll for the Irish Times since January has support for Fine Gael up four points to 28%.
Fianna Fáil will be alarmed to hear their support has fallen six points to 31% while Labour are down one at 15%. It means the Irish public at this point in time supports Fine Gael and Labour collectively over the current Government.
Sinn Féin at 9% are unchanged, as are the PDs at 3%. The Greens are up one at 5% and Independents and others are also up one at 9%.
With regards to the leaders, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's satisfaction rating is down four to 52%, while Mary Harney is down five at 34%. Enda Kenny's satisfaction is unchanged at 40%, while Pat Rabbitte is down seven at 41%. Gerry Adams is down one at 39% and Trevor Sargent is up three at 35%.
Worried
As someone who at this moment in time favours a change of government, I am pleased with these findings. I think Fine Gael will be encouraged by them but there might be a bit of concern that Enda Kenny's popularity rating is unchanged when he was such a pivotal part of the party's recent Ard Fheis. Pat Rabbitte, who I interviewed on Wednesday, won't be too happy with his drop in popularity either.
If you're sick to the teeth of Fianna Fáil and the PDs though, the poll's findings are most welcome.
It's time for a change. Roll on 2007!
# posted by United Irelander @ 2:17 AM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
