Sinn Fein bigger than Fianna Fail – poll

A new poll has placed Sinn Fein ahead of Fianna Fail, and predicts meltdown for the senior party in the current government.

The poll comes in the wake of Sinn Fein's win in the Donegal South West byelection.

It shows that support for Gerry Adam's party is strongest among 18-24 year olds. In this age group support runs at a level of one in four, however 18-24 year olds do not have a strong history of turning out on polling day.

The survey showed Sinn Fein support at 16 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail at 13 per cent. Labour polled 24 per cent, the Greens 3 per cent and Independents 11 per cent.

The poll was carried out by Red C on behalf of The Sun and has Brian Cowen's personal approval rating evaporating at a woefully poor level of 8 per cent.

Fine Gael had the biggest chunk of support, with 32 per cent, however Labour's Eamon Gilmore proved a much more popular choice for next Taoiseach his FG equivalent. He is favoured by 41 per cent as opposed to Enda Kenny who is favoured by 25 per cent.

If the results of the poll were repeated in next year's General Election, it would see Fianna Fail TDs struggling to fill 20 seats in the 166-seat Dail.