New Poll Shows Fine Gael Gains

A recent political opinion poll shows Fianna Fáil has had a significant fall in support, while Fine Gael has made gains.

The 'Red C' poll has found half of all voters do not trust the Government to manage the public finance crisis, and shows Fianna Fáil at 36%, down four points since its last poll in June.

In a reversal of fortunes, Fine Gael has made major gains jumping three points to 28%.

When pollsters were asked if they were confident the Government could manage the public finances out of the current downturn, just 39% said they were confident, 50% were not, and 11% said they did not know.

Meanwhile, amongst the other parties, Labour and Sinn Féin have slipped down one percent to nine, with the Greens staying unchanged at seven.

Despite speculation the party is going to dissolve, and described as no "longer viable" by its own leader, support for the Progressive Democrats has grown to 3%.

It is not clear if the results will have any bearing on the likely termination of the party at their up-coming all member meeting in October.

The future of the Progressive Democrats is currently in doubt as speculation intensifies that the party may be about to dissolve, with many members joining Fianna Fáil.

However, last week, Taoiseach Brian Cowen denied any 'formal' talks were taking place but accepted the possibility of informal contacts between individuals.

Leaders of the Progressive Democrat Party have themselves described the party as no longer viable, following a meeting to discuss the party's future.

The four PD members of the Oireachtas made the collective statement, effectively marking the beginning of the end for the party and its 3,000 members.

See: No More Progress For Progressive Democrats



(DW)(BMcC)