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THE POLITICAL landscape has been transformed in recent months as the recession deepens and the Government lurches from crisis to crisis. Support for Fianna Fáil has collapsed to an unprecedented low of 22 per cent and the party now trails both Fine Gael and the Labour Party in the latest Irish Times/TNS mrbi opinion poll. Not since the 1920s has Fianna Fáil faced such a disillusioned and hostile electorate.

Falling living standards, rising job losses and perceived ministerial incompetence has driven this searing reassessment of Brian Cowen and his Government. More than six out of 10 voters would now welcome a change of government. They include a majority of Green supporters, even one in five Fianna Fáil supporters. The only consolation Fianna Fáil TDs can take from this threatening situation is that the wrath of voters will be visited on party MEPs and councillors in the coming June elections, rather than on themselves.