Public satisfaction with the Government has increased in recent weeks, according to an opinion poll published today. The poll also records huge support for the presidential candidacy of Mr John Hume should he decide to enter the race to succeed Mrs Mary Robinson. Given a list of potential candidates, 31 per cent of those polled opted for Mr Hume, compared to 13 per cent for his nearest rival, Mr Albert Reynolds. The IMS poll, carried out for the Irish Independent last Thursday, puts public satisfaction with the Government at 55 per cent, up four percentage points from the previous IMS poll on July 17th.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, enjoys a 71 per cent satisfaction rating (up five points), compared to 56 per cent for Ms Mary Harney (up four), 60 per cent for Mr John Bruton (no change), 49 per cent for Mr Dick Spring (up one) and 48 per cent for Mr Proinsias De Rossa (up three).