Fine Gael has taken a lead over Fianna Fáil, according to the latest Sunday Business Post/Red C poll, which shows the main Opposition party has reached its highest ever level of support.
Support for Fianna Fáil is down by two points to 23 per cent, whilst Fine Gael is up one point to 36 per cent, according to the poll.
Support for Labour has fallen by two points to 17 per cent, Sinn Fein is up one at 10 per cent; the Greens are up two to 5 per cent and there's no change for the independents at 9 per cent.
The poll also showed significant support for public sector pay cuts, with voters preferring higher taxes for households earning more than €100,000 to health, welfare and education cuts.