A new IPSOS/Irish Times poll released on Monday November 25 has shown a six point drop in support for Fine Gael, the party now stands at 19%.
Fianna Fail have edged ahead of its former coalition partner at 21% up two, since the last poll. There has been a slight increase in support for Sinn Fein who now stand at 20% up one, since the last poll two weeks ago.
There has also been a drop in support for Independents (including Independent Ireland) currently at 17%, down three points.
In terms of the smaller parties; Labour are at 4% (down one), Social Democrats are on 6% (up two), Green Party are on 4% (down one), Aontu are on 3% (no change), and People Before Profit/Solidarity are on 3% (up one).
The poll was conducted online with 1200 people participating, between November 20 to 23 and has a margin of error of plus/minus 2.8%.
Campaign Controversies
The drop in support for Fine Gael follows a campaign that has been marked by continually missteps and criticism from political opponents and the general public.
The poll comes on the back of Fine Gael party leader Simon Harris bring criticised following an encounter with a care worker in a supermarket in Kanturk Co. Cork.
In a widely viewed video, Charlotte Fallon confronted the Taoiseach about the lack of support for care workers and carers in October’s Budget, while Mr. Harris is seen walking away. The clip has since garnered over 3 million views online. Following the incident the Taoiseach called Ms. Fallon to apologise.
The Fine Gael campaign got off to a shaky start when Ryanair boss, Michael O’Leary made a controversial comment about teachers at the campaign launch of Peter Burke, outgoing TD for Longford Westmeath. O’Leary said he would not hire teachers to “get things done” which was met with laughter and applause from Fine Gael supporters in the audience. However, the remarks were widely criticised elsewhere.
The party faced further scrutiny when pictures of a man assaulted by Senator John McGahon were published in The Sunday Times.
The candidate who is running for Fine Gael in the Louth constituency was found not guilty of assault in a criminal case two years ago. However, Mr. McGahon was found liable in a civil case in the High Court.
Exit polling from the 2020 General Election showed that 44% of voters made up their minds during the election campaign.