Bad news for Fine Gael in first Election poll
A new MRBI poll reveals that General Election 2016 is a wide open race.
There is bad news for the Coalition as Fine Gael is down two points to 28% since the end of November, while Labour remains unchanged at 7%.
Fianna Fáil is up two to 21%, while Sinn Féin is down two at 19%.
There is also good news in the Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll for Independents whose support has risen to 25%. This indicates they remain on course for a record result on election day.
The combined poll result for the Coalition partners - 35% - would not see them reelected to government on their own.
The election takes place on Friday, February 26, with the new Dáil to meet on Thursday, March 10.
Meanwhile, the economy looks set to dominate day two of Election 2016.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will today publish the party's long term economic plan, before campaigning in the midlands and east of the country.
Labour is sticking to the financial theme - in Co Louth, Joan Burton will unveil plans on how to achieve full employment.
Fianna Fáil will outline proposals for mortgages and Micheál Martin will campaign in Waterford.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will campaign in Louth and Dublin, The People Before Profit, Anti Austerity alliance have a launch in Dublin, as do the Greens.
