Michael D Higgins retains lead in latest presidential poll

Pint-sized presidential candidate Michael D Higgins has once again topped opinion polls ahead of the election, while recent revelations have hurt David Norris' poll numbers.

According to a new opinion poll, Higgins is set to take 25% of the vote, ahead of independent candidate Sean Gallagher and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, who has leapt ahead to third place with 16%.

The poll, which questioned 1,000 interviewees from October 3-5, found that recent media scandals surrounding David Norris had set the senator's prospects back, with just 14% giving their approval, a drop of 7% from the week before.

Gay Mitchell had another drop, falling 3% to 10% in the poll, while Mary Davis and Dana were sixth and seventh with 9% and 5% respectively.

Regarding his new numbers, a delighted Martin McGuinness said: “What we are seeing in these polls is a snapshot rather than a reflection of the true figures. I’m performing quite strongly and that’s very pleasing."

Dana, sitting in last place, took no heed of poll number's significance, stating “I’ve never been more than 6% in any poll."