Double-digit ministerial wage increases, along with mishandling of the provisional driver licence issue, the slowdown in the economy alongside the prospect of a restraining budget, and the fall-out from the Taoiseach's appearance at the Mahon tribunal have combined to cause public satisfaction levels with the Government to decline to levels not seen in three-and-a-half years, according to the latest Irish Times/TNS mrbi opinion poll.
Back then, Cabinet sackings and policy shifts helped to reassure the public its concerns were being taken seriously. But Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has little room to manoeuvre on this occasion. His chosen successor, Brian Cowen, is now more popular than him with the electorate.
The precipitous fall in Government support is not unprecedented. Something similar happened after the 2002 general election when the Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrats coalition embarked on a surprise programme of financial cutbacks. What will be particularly worrying to Ministers on this occasion is the depth of public dissatisfaction that exists, even before shortfalls in Government revenue are reflected in spending cutbacks.
The opinion poll reflects a general disillusionment with politicians. That is understandable, given the ongoing work of tribunals and the alacrity with which Ministers sanctioned extremely large wage increases for themselves and for top public servants earlier this week while, at the same time, displaying woeful misjudgment over provisional driving licences.
If approval of political leaders in general has taken a knock, the profile of Mr Ahern has taken a pummelling. The Taoiseach's satisfaction level has fallen by 15 points to 43 per cent since last May but, in spite of that, he is still marginally ahead of his rivals. Enda Kenny shed 6 points to 42 per cent while Gerry Adams lost 7 points to 41 per cent. Of the newly appointed party leaders, John Gormley showed at 40 per cent, Eamon Gilmore comes in at 30 per cent, and acting PD leader, Mary Harney, scores at 35 per cent.
Negative sentiment concerning the leadership of the Taoiseach carried through into a falling support level for Fianna Fáil. Backing for the party dipped by 9 points to 33 per cent. At the same time, Fine Gael added 4 points to 31 per cent. The Labour Party added 5 points to 15 per cent. Support for Sinn Féin, the Green Party and Independents remained unchanged, while the Progressive Democrats lost a point.
These findings should shake the complacency of Ministers. The arrogance and ineptitude that categorised the mid-term performance of the last government has become evident after only a few months of this administration. The Taoiseach has, uncharacteristically, given the lead. There are many issues which have changed since the general election. But, it must be remembered that voters flocked in their thousands to support no change and they reap their rewards now.