Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has admitted the fall in support for the Labour Party to just 8 per cent means the party has a "lot of work to do" in the run-up to the local elections.

Speaking at an employer briefing in Limerick today, Ms Burton said "undoubtedly" the poll was influenced by the recent controversies enveloping the Garda Síochána.

She insisted the public would become more assured as it became clearer the Government was dealing decisively with the issues.

“The poll is obviously disappointing and concerning from the point of view of the Labour Party - it means we have a lot of work to do,” Ms Burton admitted.

“I have been around the country on a fairly extensive basis with our candidates; what I would say is that like here in Limerick - and I have been out with the candidates on a number of occasions - they are very firmly rooted in their local communities.”

Ms Burton insisted the Labour Party has a "good story to tell" and expressed confidence in Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, who is on 20 per cent support according to the latest opinion polls.

“I think it [the poll] undoubtedly has been influenced by the issues that have arisen in recent times in relation to policing and reform of the gardaí and reform of oversight.

“This problem didn’t arise today or yesterday. We know it happened 30 years ago in some cases. We have had to face up to the challenge of dealing with it now but we are more than capable of addressing that challenge, and I think when people see that that issue - which is important for people is resolved - then they will look afresh as they come to make their decision at the polls.”

Ms Burton said she wants to see a Garda force that has public support and confidence. “In any modern democracy you need a proper robust oversight process and with the reforms that have been indicated in relation to Gsoc, we are on the road to that happening,” she said.

“But I think when you are looking at a litany of difficult issues that happened over 20 years, the last government brought in Gsoc but didn’t go far enough. We now have a very good picture of where the difficulties are and it is the job of the Government to address those and do it as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Housing Jan O'Sullivan, who also attended the briefing, admitted the latest opinion polls are disappointing for Labour and Fianna Fáil.

“It is a disappointing poll for both Government parties. We have to learn from it in terms of how we get our own message out. I think the public are genuinely fed up with the last few weeks of publicity around the justice system - and that is reflected in the polls.

“But there are positives in terms of the live register figures which are at their lowest in five years in terms of jobs creation, 5,000 jobs a month in terms of people getting back to work - and it is our job to get that message out,” she added.