FF poll result and the Bertie factor

Out of the past

Sir, – You report the result of an Irish Times/Ipsos poll (News, February 23rd), indicating a 3 per cent drop in support for Fianna Fáil “since Martin’s exit from the taoiseach’s office”. Given that the poll was carried out between February 19th and February 21st, might the recent return of a former taoiseach to the Fianna Fáil fold not have played a part in this downturn? – Yours, etc,

PAUL MURPHY,

Dublin 9.

Sir, – You seem convinced that the slump in Fianna Fáil support in your most recent poll is due to Micheál Martin leaving office as taoiseach. But perhaps another reason might be the high-profile welcome given to Bertie Ahern returning to the party?

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After successfully detoxifying the Fianna Fáil brand over the last decade, it seems bizarre to bring back into the fold a man so associated with the party of old.

Perhaps some voters are thinking to themselves, after all the public relations and successful marketing since 2011, nothing has actually changed? – Yours, etc,

JOHN COTTER,

Ferrybank,

Co Waterford.