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Leo Varadkar's popularity credited with rise in Fine Gael poll performance

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's contribution to the strong conclusion of phase one in the Brexit negotiations has been credited with strengthening his popularity. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's contribution to the strong conclusion of phase one in the Brexit negotiations has been credited with strengthening his popularity. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's contribution to the strong conclusion of phase one in the Brexit negotiations has been credited with strengthening his popularity. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire

FINE Gael has reached its highest level of support in two years, according to the latest finding from an influential poll.

The party, led by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, is the only one that has seen a rise in popularity, and now sits at 32 per cent for first preference vote intention.

Yesterday's Sunday Business Post/Red C poll is the first for two months - when Fine Gael's support was down to 27 per cent - it's lowest in Mr Varadkar's premiership.

At that time he was maintaining support for then Taniste Frances Fitzgerald over her handling of emails about Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

She has since departed the post and Mr Varadkar's contribution to the strong conclusion of phase one in the Brexit negotiations has been credited with strengthening his popularity.

Sinn Féin is down by one point in the same poll to 15 per cent - although it has been speculated that when Mary Lou McDonald takes the reins next month the party is likely to experience a `bounce'.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil has remained steady on 26 per cent, despite its recent attack on the government's housing and health failures.