Support for Fianna Fáil has dropped but the main opposition parties have failed to reap the benefit, according to an opinion poll published today.
The Red C poll shows support for the main Government party has dropped two points from 38 per cent last month to 36 per cent, while Fine Gael have gained just one point moving up to 23 per cent and Labour have dropped by two percentage points to 12 per cent.
The poll, published in this morning's Sunday Business Post, shows Sinn Féin have gained three points and now have 10 per cent support, while the Green Party maintains a strong position with 8 per cent. The Progressive Democrats dropped by one point to 3 per cent, while independents gain one point, moving to 8 per cent.
The poll was conducted among more than 1,000 adults nationwide last week.
Reacting to the results of the poll Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he believed outcome was "probably there or there abouts right"
"We'd like to be in a better position there's no doubt about that," he told RTÉ radio.
He said Fianna Fáil had not started its election campaign, which he said was effectively launched at the party's Ardfheis this weekend.
"So I think we just have to get focused on our party.
"You have to keep doing your job in Government but from now on we'll focus on the political, the party issue and I think that will make a difference."