THE latest opinion poll in the Republic shows a drop in support for Sinn Féin.
The popularity of parties in government however is increasing ahead of next month's budget.
The Red C poll carried out for Sunday Business Post, put Sinn Féin on 16 per cent - down two percentage points.
It suggests negative publicity in Northern Ireland may be affecting the fortunes of the party south of the border.
Sinn Féin is down to third place behind Fianna Fail, unchanged at 18 per cent and the ruling Fine Gael party, up three points to 28 per cent.
The other government party Labour saw support increase two points to 10 per cent while independents attract 28 per cent of support.
One in ten voters surveyed meanwhile said they were undecided.
The coalition parties remain 17 points off their winning position in 2011.
Voters in the south may be due to go to the polls as early as November although election could yet be delayed until the new year.
