A new opinion poll from Paddy Power/Red C has recorded heavy declines in support for the Government parties, with Labour suffering a seven per cent drop to four per cent since the last poll for the Sunday Business Post.

Fine Gael’s support has dropped by three per cent to 22 per cent, putting it on the same level as Sinn Féin.

Strong gains have been recorded for Independent candidates, with a nine per cent boost bringing their support to 32 per cent.

Sinn Féin support rose by four per cent since the last poll. Fianna Fáil support declined by three per cent to 18 per cent.

Those who participated in the poll were also asked about the contest for the Labour Party leadership.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton was the clear favourite, with 55 per cent of those questioned saying they would prefer her as leader. This figure rose to 61 per cent when non-Labour voters were excluded.

A total of 30 per cent of those questioned said they would prefer Minister of State for Public Health Alex White as Labour leader, while 15 per cent chose the "neither/don't know" option.

Red C interviewed a random sample of 1,006 adults by telephone between Monday and today.

A random digit dial method is used to ensure a random selection process of households be included. This method also ensured ex-directory households are included. Half of the respondents were questioned on their mobile phones.

Interviews were conducted across the country.