Some three-quarters of Irish adults disapprove of the way US President George Bush has handled the Iraq crisis, a new poll today suggested.
The Millward Brown IMP poll also shows that only one third of those questioned said they were happy with the way the Taoiseach had performed on the matter. The also showed a general fall in satisfaction with Mr Ahern and the Government.
There was unease amongst voters over the US-led invasion, with those questioned against military action by a margin of two-to-one. Some 62 per cent said they disapproved and just 29 per cent were in favour.
A total of 75 per cent said they were dissatisfied with Mr Bush's handling of the war, 18 per cent were satisfied and six per cent had no opinion. The poll was published in today's Sunday Independent.
When it came to Mr Ahern's performance only 29 per cent said Irish his handling of the Iraq crisis was "good" or "very good". The remaining 67 per cent who replied either said it was poor, very poor or that they did not know.
Opinion was divided on the issue of allowing US military aircraft to refuel at Shannon Airport.
While 49 per cent were against the move, 43 per cent approved - marking a fall in support compared to the post-September 11th period, when 63 per cent backed its use by American planes.
Overall support for the Government was down, with just 33 per cent of respondents saying they were satisfied with the leadership.
This showed a sharp drop from last May, when 58 per cent were pleased with the Government's performance.
And a majority of those questioned - 53 per cent - were dissatisfied with Mr Ahern as Taoiseach, while 41 per cent were satisfied.
Ahead of Mr Ahern in the ratings were Labour leader Mr Pat Rabbitte - 52 per cent of respondents were pleased with his performance - followed by Sinn Féin leader Mr Gerry Adams (50 per cent) and the Tánaiste Ms Harney (46 per cent).
Behind the Taoiseach were Green Party leader Trevor Sargent (38 per cent) and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny (32 per cent).
More than 1,000 people across the Republic were questioned for the poll.
PA