SUPPORT for Sinn Féin in the Republic is on the rise, a new poll has revealed.
According to the latest Sunday Business Post/Red C poll., the party has surged to its highest level in over a year.
Fianna Fáil is the most popular party, however, its lead over Fine Gael is smaller than in other polls.
Sinn Féin saw its support increase by five points in the last month, to 19 per cent.
The poll showed that Sinn Féin was now seven points behind Fianna Fáil, which was the most popular party on 26 per cent. Fine Gael was unchanged on 24 per cent.
Sinn Féin has been calling for a general election in response to the political turmoil in the Republic in recent weeks.
The poll also showed there was a fall in support for non-aligned independents which dipped by 4 per cent to stand at 10 per cent.
Meanwhile, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has topped a Red C poll asking who should replace Enda Kenny as leader of Fine Gael.
Mr Varadkar was the favourite among 29 per cent of voters ahead of Simon Convery on 27 per cent. Richard Bruton was a distant third on 10 per cent.
