THE popularity of Sinn Féin in the Republic has reached a record high, according to a new opinion poll.
Amid the escalating cost of living crisis, the survey also shows that the party commands the support of more than half of those who do not own their own home.
The latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll was carried out after the Irish government's latest €11 billion budget last week.
The poll found support for Sinn Féin was at 37 per cent, up one point, with the party now having a 16-point lead over Fine Gael (21per cent) and a 20-point lead over Fianna Fáil (17 per cent), also up one point.
The survey revealed that for the first time, 51 per cent of those who do not own their own home support Sinn Féin. And of those people, only nine per cent support Fine Gael while six per cent intend to vote for Fianna Fáil in the next election.
The poll also found those surveyed were generally satisfied with the recent budget, with 55 per cent saying the government’s response was appropriate.
It found 44 per cent said the budget would make "some difference" to their ability to cope, while six per cent said it would make a big difference.
However, 46 per cent it would make no difference at all and four per cent were unsure.
But the public’s level of worry over their financial situation remains high with a third more worried. Just 16 per cent said they would feel less worried after the budget, while half have the same level of worry.
Asked if the budget would influence their vote at the next general election, 25 per cent said yes, which included 15 per cent who said it would make them less likely and 10 per cent more likely to vote for a government party.
