Ireland-Red C poll for March shows FF down 6.6% on the last General Election

This Red C poll taken for the Sunday Business Post shows relatively minor changes since the last poll taken in February. The changes are within the statistical margin of error.

% Support for each Party:

FF 35 (-2 )

FG 30 ( -1 )

LAB 11 (+1)

SF 9 (+1)

GN 8 (+1)

PD 1 (-1)

OTH 7 (+1)

However FF is down 6.6% on its 2007 General Election showing. There are several causative factors. Bad publicity emanating from the Mahon Tribunal has damaged Bertie Ahern and FF. However major difficulties in the health service, rising unemployment and high inflation have sapped FFs popularity. Much of this loss in support is probably temporary and will undoubtedly return in any General Election situation.


FG is up 2.7% on its General Election showing. However it needs to consolidate this gain and attempt to push its support towards the 35% mark. It must attempt to wrest more conservative support from FF.

Labour support is up 1.9% on its General Election showing. However it faces stiff opposition from Sinn Fein for left wing votes.

Sinn Fein is up 2.1% on its General Election showing. It is probably a temporary abode for some unhappy FF voters.

Similarly the Green Party is up 3.3% on its General Election outcome. It is probably a temporary resting place for disaffected FF voters.

The PDs are down from 2.7% in the General Election to 1%. They appear to have no future. Sensible PD public representatives will now join FG or FF.

Others at 7% are up 1%. This group includes Independents and the Socialist Party. Votes cast for Others represented 6.9% of the total votes cast in the 2007 General Election.