An opinion poll published last night has shown new gains for Fine Gael and trouble for Fianna Fáil's Mr Gerry Collins in the run-up to the European and local elections in June.
One of Fianna Fáil's high-profile European candidates, former minister Mr Collins is in danger of losing his seat to disability rights campaigner Ms Kathy Sinnott.
The poll was carried out by Lansdowne market research for the Irish Examinernewspaper and RTÉ's Prime Timeprogramme on Tuesday and Wednesday last. It used sample ballot papers among 500 voters, in the South, formerly Munster, constituency.
Fianna Fáil's support in the South is at 39 per cent, ahead of a resurgent Fine Gael at 30 per cent. Sinn Féin is up to 8 per cent, Labour is at 10 per cent, the Green Party 5 per cent, while the PDs returned only 2 per cent of votes.
Ms Sinnott is polling strongly following Mr Pat Cox's decision not to run. She recorded 13 per cent of first preferences in the opinion poll, only two points behind Mr Collins who is at 15 per cent.
Fianna Fáil's Mr Brian Crowley topped the poll at 30 per cent, while Fine Gael's Mr Simon Coveney polled well at 26 per cent.
The opinion poll also showed the citizenship referendum would be closely run.