A significant number of voters say they are less likely to vote for Fine Gael as a result of the controversy over the nomination of John McNulty to the Seanad.

Asked if they were more or less likely to vote for the party, 5 per cent of voters said they were more likely to vote Fine Gael, 37 per cent said they were less likely, 48 per cent said it made no difference, and 9 per cent had no opinion.

There was a different response when it came to Fine Gael supporters. Some 15 per cent said they were more likely to vote for the party, 14 per cent less likely, 60 per cent said it made no difference, and 12 per cent had no opinion.

Supporters of all other parties and Independents took a different view with significant numbers saying they were less likely to vote Fine Gael as a result.

Labour voters were in agreement with those backing Opposition parties with 38 per cent saying they were less likely to vote Fine Gael.

This could be a significant negative factor for Fine Gael when it comes to attracting second- and third-preference votes in an election.

It will also be a worry for the party that middle-class AB and C1 voters are more likely than working-class voters to say they are less likely to vote Fine Gael as a result.

Farmers did not appear to regard the issue as important as voters from other social categories.