A drop in Fianna Fail support and a strong performance by the Green Party are features of the latest opinion poll published yesterday.
The poll, conducted 10 days ago by Lansdowne Market Research for The Sunday Business Post and the Association of Independent Radio Stations, showed Fianna Fail, 40 per cent; Fine Gael, 28 per cent; Labour, 12 per cent; Progressive Democrats, 8 per cent; Democratic Left, 2 per cent, Workers Party, 1 per cent; Green Party, 5 per cent; Others, 5 per cent.
Fianna Fail's rating was its lowest since Mr Bertie Ahern took over as party leader.
Those who were undecided, who declined to reveal their intentions or who will not vote numbered 30 per cent.