Support for Fine Gael grows

Support for Fine Gael has grown since February's election, a new poll has revealed.

Support for Fine Gael has grown since February's election, a new poll has revealed.

The Red C/Sunday Business Post poll showed Taoiseach Enda Kenny's party has gained three points since the party took power, despite the much criticised decision to recapitalise the banks.

The opinion poll indicated that 39 per cent of those polled would vote for Fine Gael if an election were held tomorrow, compares with the 36 per cent of voters who supported the part in February.

Support for Labour fell by 1 per cent to 18 per cent, while Fianna Fáil and independent TDs also lost 1 per cent, with both on 16 per cent. Sinn Féin gained 1 per cent support to 11 per cent.

Some 35 per cent of voters said they were impressed by the performance of the new Government so far, with 30 per cent disagreeing, and 35 per cent undecided.

Mr Kenny's representation of Ireland abroad came in for praise, with 43 per cent happy with how he had performed on the international stage. Only 22 per cent disagreed.

However, the Government's treatment of the banks was less well received, with 41 per cent of voters saying they were angry that the Government was not forcing bondholders to share some of the burden. Some 38 per cent of respondents said the bank bailout and restructuring announced last week was not what they had voted for, while 34 per cent disagreed.