Fine Gael has suffered a significant decline in support just days before the general election, falling behind both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll.
The poll shows Fianna Fáil leading with 21% (up two points), followed by Sinn Féin at 20% (up one point), while Fine Gael has dropped six points to 19%. This decline comes at a crucial moment, with party leaders set to face off in tomorrow night’s RTÉ television debate.
Among smaller parties, the Social Democrats have shown growth, reaching 6% (up two points), while the Greens and Labour each hold 4%. People Before Profit and Aontú stand at 3%, with Independents, including Independent Ireland, commanding 17% of support.
According to The Journal, the poll results emerge following a challenging period for Taoiseach Simon Harris’s party, including his recent apology over an encounter with a disability care worker in Kanturk, Co Cork, which went viral on social media. The controversy arose when Harris walked away from Charlotte Fallon during a discussion about carer support.
Other campaign setbacks for Fine Gael included Michael O’Leary’s controversial comments about teachers at a party event and questions over Senator John McGahon’s candidacy in Louth following a civil court ruling.
The poll, conducted among 1,200 adults from November 20-23, shows undecided voters at 19%, suggesting the final outcome remains uncertain as the campaign enters its final days.