By Jonathan McCambridge, PA
Fine Gael has a clear lead over other parties two weeks out from the general election, a new poll has suggested.
A new Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll puts Simon Harris’s party on 25 per cent support, ahead of both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin on 19 per cent.
The poll also suggests a surge in support for independent candidates, who have received 20 per cent support.
This includes support for the new Independent Ireland party.
Labour is on five per cent, the Social Democrats on four per cent, the Green Party on three per cent, Aontú on three per cent and People Before Profit Solidarity on two per cent.
The poll indicates that Mr Harris is the most popular party leader with a satisfaction rating of 50 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin on 45 per cent and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald on 31 per cent.
Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has a satisfaction rating of 21 per cent.
When asked what issue would have most influence on their vote, 30 per cent of respondents said the cost of living.
Health was next on the list with 18 per cent, followed by house prices (17 per cent), immigration (nine per cent) and the economy (six per cent).
The poll was conducted among a representative sample of adults aged 18 years and upwards across 120 sampling points throughout all constituencies.
It was conducted through face-to-face sampling with personal in-home interviewing taking place on November 12th and 13th with 1,200 interviews conducted.
The accuracy is estimated at plus or minus 2.8 per cent.
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