Political parties have reacted cautiously to the Irish Times/MRBI election poll published this morning that shows Fianna Fáil in front despite gains made by Fine Gael.
The poll, conducted last Monday and Tuesday after all the main parties manifestos had been published, used a simulated ballot paper listing the names of candidates in each constituency for the first time.
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Fianna Fáil's 45 per cent rating puts the party close to an overall majority Government, the first since 1977. The prospect of a single party minority Government is a real option.
The Labour Party welcomed the findings, which show the core Labour vote up 2 per cent but said they were not sure how that compared to previous polls as a result of a change in polling methods.
A Labour Party spokesman said: "There was a good deal of confusion over which candidate represented which party in the poll and we’re not sure how that is going to translate on polling day.
"However, it is quite clear that despite their huge publicity campaign Fianna Fáil's support has remained static while the opposition parties are picking up support, and expected to pick up more by polling day".
Fine Gael said it was clear there was a real possibility for a change of government, with the Party’s front bencher Mr Brian Hayes saying the Opposition parties had established a clear and favourable momentum.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern said although he was pleased with the result, Fianna Fáil had two weeks of hard work ahead.
Sinn Féin said "the only poll Sinn Féin will pay any attention to is the poll on May 17th," but a spokesman said the poll showed Sinn Féin support to be around 6 per cent in 34 of the 42 constituencies and that, nationally, they would expect to get the same, increasing their presence in Dáil significantly.
There was no one available to comment for the Progressive Democrats.