Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald with deputy leader Michelle O'Neill. Alamy Stock Photo

Slight rise in support for Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil and small drop for Fine Gael

The new Sunday­ Times/Opinions poll shows the main three parties grouped closely together.

SUPPORT HAS RISEN for Sinn Féin since the general election campaign kicked off, with Fianna Fáil also rising slightly and Fine Gael dropping slightly, according to a new opinion poll.

The new Sunday­ Times/Opinions poll shows the main three parties grouped closely together while support for Independents/Others remains high.

The full breakdown of the parties is:

  • Fine Gael 23 (-1, since Oct)
  • Independents/Others 21 (-1)
  • Fianna Fáil 20 (+1)
  • Sinn Féin 18 (+2)
  • Social Democrats 6 (+1)
  • Labour 4 (-1)
  • Green Party 4 (nc)
  • PBP-Solidarity 2 (-1)
  • Aontú 2 (nc)

While still far below the huge support Sinn Féin received in recent years, the party will be happy that it clawed back some percentage in the the first week of the campaign. The changes to the parties are all within the margin of error, but the slight drop will still be sounding alarm bells for Fine Gael.

This weekend, many commentators have been highlighting a slow, muted first week to the election, with few stand out moments, though that is likely to change as polling day draws near.

Fine Gael and Labour are due to publish their manifestos later today, while prospective TDs will continue on the campaign trail.  

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
137 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jacintha Dumbrell
    Favourite Jacintha Dumbrell
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:36 AM

    “But it’s totally normal to have wildfires in January” said every Facebook expert.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marvin Dollery
    Favourite Marvin Dollery
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:41 AM

    @Jacintha Dumbrell: Why are you having hissy fits on here about facebook posts that “trigger” you? I’d say something if the wildfires were happening here in Ireland, but they’re not. Happening the other side of the world. Get a grip clown.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Name
    Favourite Name
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:52 AM

    @Marvin Dollery: the only one I see having a hissy fit is you. Truth hurts I suppose…

    33
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason Memail
    Favourite Jason Memail
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:53 AM

    @Marvin Dollery: Absolute state of this. The standard of conversation in the comments section has become significantly worse since your account appeared.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Name
    Favourite Name
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:58 AM

    @Jason Memail: he’s outraged at everything and takes this comment section way too seriously, which I suppose you do if you live in social media bubbles all day.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Mc
    Favourite Ronan Mc
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 12:02 PM

    @Jacintha Dumbrell: You think Facebook experts are bad now, wait til the crappy guardrails come off in a few weeks! But don’t worry, Zuck is doing it to save the world. With a bit of software. And 50% of it is minion memes.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marvin Dollery
    Favourite Marvin Dollery
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 12:10 PM

    @Jason Memail: So because you dislike what I have to say, you think my account should be removed? Isn’t that the very principle ye leftists proclaim to defend? Seems ye have gone full circle. Nice attempt at “white knighting”. Dumbrell is far from a damzel in distress.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Jordan
    Favourite David Jordan
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 12:47 PM

    @Jacintha Dumbrell: Here a chart of Global Temperatures and CO2 Levels last 2000 years:

    https://imgur.com/gallery/global-temperature-co2-levels-last-2000-years-5ioVzFY

    We have a problem. And temperatures for the last 65 million years:

    https://www.marum.de/Binaries/Binary22794/CENOGRID-Cartoon-withProjection-alternate-2023CO2-CO2Bigger4.webp

    Current global temperatures are warmest in c. 125,000 years, CO2 levels are highest in c. 15 million years and they continue to rise rapidly.

    And here’s a study showing forest fires (intensity) are the worst in 10,000 years:

    Kelly, R., Chipman, M.L., Higuera, P.E., Stefanova, I., Brubaker, L.B. and Hu, F.S., 2013. Recent burning of boreal forests exceeds fire regime limits of the past 10,000 years. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(32), pp.13055-13060.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Name
    Favourite Name
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:07 PM

    @Marvin Dollery: master of deduction yet again. Jason never mentioned that your account should be removed and how do you know he is a “leftist”. He only makes the (IMO correct) observation that the standard of your comments is deplorable.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marvin Dollery
    Favourite Marvin Dollery
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:19 PM

    @Name: At least I use my name. And by the way, it’s only your opinion. Everyone has one.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy Roche
    Favourite Tommy Roche
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:39 PM

    @Jacintha Dumbrell: Don’t read Facebook, read science based fact. Here’s a fact. In the area burning today there is vegetation which drops seeds in pods that can only open when exposed to…fire. Yes, climate change can alter local conditions which can make wildfires more likely, but in this particular instance damage is man-made only in the sense that man chose to build homes in areas where fires are not only likely but are essential to the lifecycle of local flora. High time the planning authorities took some responsibility for what’s occurring rather than point the finger at people who have the audacity to own a car or want to heat their homes.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute smatrix mantra
    Favourite smatrix mantra
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 2:08 PM

    @Ronan Mc: In fairness, libel action against defamation or slander should be taken by the courts. Not by some meta subsidiary. Everyone active on platforms should know how to properly sue someone. Including the journal comment section which is a goldmine.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ollie McGlinchey
    Favourite Ollie McGlinchey
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 3:37 PM

    @Name: He or she is not outraged about anything. He or she is desperate for attention, good or bad. Mute them.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marvin Dollery
    Favourite Marvin Dollery
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 3:44 PM

    @Ollie McGlinchey: A tolerant little lefty weirdo aren’t you Glinchy. Mute anyone you disagree with incase it hurts precious folks feelings. Grow up.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute thomas molloy
    Favourite thomas molloy
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:46 AM

    After the last fires Trump recommended that fire breaks between areas need to be implanted but got no support by the ever negative media, maybe he can get things moving when he gets back.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Newell
    Favourite Tom Newell
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:48 AM

    @thomas molloy: taking advice from trump on forrest management is like taking advice from bertie ahern on bank accounts…….both havent a clue

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Philip Kennedy
    Favourite Philip Kennedy
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 12:34 PM

    @Tom Newell: what is a forrest? Do you mean forest?

    11
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mrs Leahy STMA
    Favourite Mrs Leahy STMA
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:08 PM

    @Tom Newell: He also said that they should sweep the forest floors. Fire breaks would not have made an ounce of difference in 75 mph winds!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute smatrix mantra
    Favourite smatrix mantra
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 2:14 PM

    @thomas molloy: State of California is preparing to sue Trump for inaction and denial of global warming, causing wide spread destruction.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearoid MacEachaidh
    Favourite Gearoid MacEachaidh
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 2:39 PM

    @thomas molloy: except he never said that at all. He never mentioned “fire breaks”. He did talk about how the forestry service looked after the wilderness there and used the example of Finland “raking their forests” to prevent forest fires. Much to the amusement of Finns who do not rake their forests. Do you honestly think that Trump knows what a fire break is or how they work? As it happens fire breaks would not have done anything to prevent these current fires all of which started in brush in residential areas. The wind is driving them and embers from early fires are travelling through their via wind and causing fires elsewhere. They are crossing the many roads and highways in the hills. Not a lot could be done to prevent these fires sadly

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Whitehead
    Favourite Paul Whitehead
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 5:10 PM

    @thomas molloy: impossible. Embers can travel several kilometres airborne. Fires can also start spontaneously in 0-10% humidity. Trump knows as much about managing forests as he does about every other topic. Virtually nil. May the Divils spawnings drag him to Hades and burn the Cheryl Cole off of him.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergus O'Donnell
    Favourite Fergus O'Donnell
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:23 AM

    There’s an ad for a firewood in Northern Ireland placed in this article.
    Very tactful. Lol.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Philip Kennedy
    Favourite Philip Kennedy
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 12:30 PM

    @Fergus O’Donnell: lol. You really are hilarious.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eoin fitzpatrick
    Favourite eoin fitzpatrick
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:46 AM

    looks like Gaza

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute FlipBip
    Favourite FlipBip
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 12:00 PM

    @eoin fitzpatrick: There are definitely more Jews in Hollywood than in Gaza.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute DAN TEDSON
    Favourite DAN TEDSON
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:09 PM

    @eoin fitzpatrick: except they are not being starved to death and drones arent shooting wounded kids on the ground.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute P. V. Aglue
    Favourite P. V. Aglue
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 11:18 AM

    They should ask the Australians for help on how to put the fires out

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Guiney
    Favourite David Guiney
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 12:46 PM

    Terrible news, but the thing dominating my head right now is the song Open Up by Leftfield.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Kerr
    Favourite Kevin Kerr
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:13 PM

    @David Guiney: indeed, and what a brilliant track! Leftfield and Lydon – what a combo

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute smatrix mantra
    Favourite smatrix mantra
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 2:10 PM

    California should sue Trump for inaction on, even causing, global warming.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute DAN TEDSON
    Favourite DAN TEDSON
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:08 PM

    No sympathy for them.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute lastfewchocices
    Favourite lastfewchocices
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:12 PM

    @DAN TEDSON: how sad it must be to be you.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute DAN TEDSON
    Favourite DAN TEDSON
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:22 PM

    @lastfewchocices: on the contrary, enjoying this karma immensely. Burn Hollywood, burn.

    3
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Kerr
    Favourite Kevin Kerr
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 1:29 PM

    @DAN TEDSON: karma for what?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute If you're
    Favourite If you're
    Report
    Jan 9th 2025, 8:40 PM

    @DAN TEDSON: PE

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds