Poll points to slip in Fine Gael support after controversy

FINE Gael has suffered a worrying drop in support in the aftermath of the RIC Commemoration controversy.

According to a new opinion poll, the party has slipped 12 points behind its main rivals, Fianna Fàil.

The Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes opinion poll indicates Fianna Fáil's support has increased by five points to 32%, while that of Fine Gael has dropped by seven to 20%, which is the party’s lowest standing in this survey.

The survey was largely completed before the general election was called but during the height of the row over the proposed commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

The poll of 923 voters, which has a margin of error of 3.3%, also suggested that Sinn Féin support is down 1 to 19%, while the Green Party is up 1 to 7%.