Fianna Fáil has consolidated its position as the party most likely to lead the next government, according to the latest Irish Times/TNS MRBI opinion poll.
The party increased its showing by one point to 40 per cent compared to the last poll published on October 13 thlast.
However, the new poll, to be published in tomorrow's Irish Times, shows a one point drop by the Progressive Democrats to 3 per cent. This means the combined totals of the current coalition would still be insufficient for it to be returned to office unaided.
But with independents gaining two points to 8 per cent, there would be sufficient numbers to form a government similar to the 1997 - 2002 arrangement.
When asked to state their preferred coalition option, 42 per cent of respondents favoured Fianna Fáil / Progressive Democrats - and increase of six points. Around 46 per cent of the vote is needed to form a government.
Some 31 per cent favoured a Fine Gael / Labour coalition with the possibility of the Greens.
The finding continues a massive swing back to the Government compared to last May when the alternative coalition had a combined total of 48 per cent including the Greens. The poll published on May 19 thgave the Government parties just 34 per cent.
Tomorrow's poll shows support for Fine Gael up one point to 29 per cent, while Labour is unchanged on 11 per cent. The Greens are down two at 4 per cent. This means that combined they still one point ahead of the Coalition.
While independents supported a Fianna Fáil-led government in 1997, the make up of the next group is less likely to do so.
Mildred Fox who comes from a Fianna Fáil tradition is to retire; Niall Blaney has returned to Fianna Fáil and there are more left-leaning TDs in the current Dáil as well as three hospital and health candidates.
Tomorrow's poll the shows Taoiseach's personal satisfaction rating showed no sign of being damaged by the furore surrounding his personal in the weeks leading up to the last poll. He is up six points at 59 per cent.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny was up one at 43 per cent while Labour leader Pat Rabbitte fell two points to 46 per cent.
Tánaiste Michael McDowell, in only his second showing since becoming leader of the PDs, climbed 6 to 38 per cent. Green leader Trevor Sargent was down three points at 40 per cent while Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was unchanged on 43 per cent.
The poll was conducted last Monday and Tuesday among a representative sample of 1,000 voters at 100 sampling points in all 43 constituencies. It come ahead of next Wednesday's budget.