The latest Sunday Independent Ireland Thinks poll presents a fascinating snapshot of the evolving political landscape just days before the General Election.
Key Highlights:
Sinn Féin has risen by two points to 20%, putting them level with Fianna Fáil, which remains unchanged. This positions them as a close challenger to Fine Gael, which has dropped four points to 22%.
Aontú is gaining ground, climbing two points to 5%, matching the Social Democrats, who dipped by one point.
Labour stays steady at 4%, while the Greens drop one point to 3%.
People Before Profit holds at 2%, while Independents and others gain significant traction, rising three points to 19%.
Leader Approval Ratings:
Despite Sinn Féin’s party growth, leader Mary Lou McDonald trails both outgoing Taoiseach and Tánaiste, sitting at 41% approval.
Simon Harris and Micheál Martin are tied at the top with 47%, followed by Holly Cairns at 44% and Peadar Tóibín at 42%.
At the lower end, Richard Boyd Barrett stands at 38%, with Ivana Bacik on 37%, and Roderic O’Gorman at the bottom with 28%.
This poll reflects shifting dynamics, with Sinn Féin's rise signalling growing public interest, but leadership approval still favouring more established figures.
Fine Gael's drop could indicate waning confidence, and the gains among Independents suggest voters are increasingly looking outside the traditional party system.
