A new poll has suggested a drop in support for the Republic's main political parties and a surge in popularity for Sinn Fein and others. The Sunday Independent/Millward Brown survey asked people their voting intentions during the period from February 19 until Friday.
The political agenda was dominated by a series of Garda controversies, including controversy over a whistleblower and the suspected bugging of the Garda Ombudsman Commission's office.
The poll showed Fine Gael down three points to 27 per cent, Labour's support falling by four points to 8 per cent, and Fianna Fail dropping by five points to 21 per cent.
Sinn Fein saw a jump in support, up six points to 22 per cent. Independent and others were also up six to 22 per cent.
This poll brings Fine Gael support back to where it was before the Republic exited the bailout in november.