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SINN FÉIN HAS established a clear lead as the most popular political party in Ireland, according to a new Irish Times poll.
The party reached its highest ever approval rating in the poll conducted by Ipsos MRBI, released this evening.
Sinn Féin have increased their share of the vote by three points, putting them at 31% of the vote, well ahead of their nearest rivals Fine Gael, down three points to 27%.
Fianna Fáil have improved their standing, rising six points, but remaining some way behind the others on 20%.
Support for the Green Party and Labour was unchanged at 6% and 3% respectively.
The Social Democrats dropped a point to 2%, while People Before Profit saw the opposite effect, up one point to 2%. Independents and others were down six points to 13%.
Despite Government parties struggling, approval for their handling of the pandemic has risen substantially in recent months.
The Government’s approval rating has jumped by 10 points since February, with more than half of voters, 53%, saying they are satisfied with the coalition.
Fianna Fáil will point to their six-point gains as proof of a “vaccination boost”, while Micheal Martin has enjoyed a seven-point increase to his personal approval rating, a new high of 49%.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has seen his personal approval rating jump four points to 53%, as he remains the country’s most popular leader.
Despite her party’s strong performance, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has seen her approval rating drop by three points to 42%.
Meanwhile, Green party leader Eamon Ryan has dropped nine points, to 26%.
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That is the stuff of nightmares. Horrific.
So sad to hear and baby left without its parents. May they R.I.P
What a terrible thing to happen to a young couple at the start of their lives !
What a horrible bit of news.
Unbelievable tradgic news. May they rest in peace and hope the little baby pulls through.
Who would ‘red thumb’ the expressions of sympathy on here for such a tragic story. Whoever you are, you are attention seeking morons.
Which you’ve just given them. Just ignore it.
Oh my god what a terrible start to life for this baby. Hope he has family members willing to care for him.
Life can be very cruel sometimes. I RIP
I will pray for them. So sad to hear this.
Awfully written article and not what I’d expect from AP! A news piece about a tragic accident fast becomes bogged down in info about Hasidic Jews’ culture… Not relevant to the story at all!
Very true. The story doesnt need to include their race/religion.
What a terrible thing to happen. One positive is atleast a life was saved. You could call it a miracle.
So cruel,rest in peace.
Rest in peace . Hope they catch the runner.
Awfully sad story. Victims of hit & run. Hope they catch the other driver
Baby hopefully will be looked after within their community which should be very tight ?
How horrible is this my prayers go out to them and their family’s
Who takes the baby in this situation!
so heartbreaking for both familys RIP
Cruel start in life.how could there be a god ? If there is hes sick.
There is no evidence of any gods. Hopefully the baby will recover well enough to live his life.
Am I the only one who took a grain of hope form this tragedy?
have your say