The controversy over the Taoiseach's involvement in his daughter's wedding to Nicky Byrne of Westlife which was sold to Hello! magazine made no difference to his standing among a large majority of voters. Mark Brennock reports.
According to the poll, his involvement in the event had made no difference to the opinion 70 per cent of voters had of him. Some 23 per cent said it had lowered their opinion of him while 4 per cent said it had actually increased their opinion of him. Some 3 per cent had no opinion.
Disapproval was somewhat higher among the older age groups and lower among younger people. In the 50 to 64 age group 33 per cent said it had lowered their opinion of him, 59 per cent said it made no difference to them, 4 per cent that it increased their opinion of him and 4 per cent offered no opinion.
In contrast, among 25 to 34-year-olds it made no difference to 80 per cent, lowered the opinions of just 14 per cent, increased the opinion 3 per cent had of Mr Ahern and 3 per cent had no opinion.
The youngest 18 to 24 age group was largely indifferent with the matter, making no difference to the opinion 75 per cent had of Mr Ahern. It lowered the opinion of 17 per cent, increased the opinion of 4 per cent and 4 per cent had no opinion.