Not alone has Martin’s satisfaction rating risen, despite sustained criticism from some of his TDs, but he is again the most popular political party leader. When it comes to the state of the parties, the overriding message is the level of stability in the political system since the general election over a year ago. Fianna Fáil is up two points to 19 per cent, Fine Gael remains on 18 per cent while Sinn Féin is down three points to 24 per cent. Instead it is now ten points below the support level it was regularly achieving three years ago before the sharp downturn in advance of the general election. With close to 40 per cent support for the Government parties and a similar share going to the left wing Opposition parties, the non aligned Independents remain in a crucial position.

Source: The Irish Times February 05, 2026 20:57 UTC