Fine Gael has been unable to hold on to a significant lead over Fianna Fáil, according to the latest Sunday Business Post/Red C poll.

In the last comparable poll in May, as the Fine Gael leadership race was under way with extensive media coverage, the party opened an eight-point lead over Fianna Fáil.

This latest poll suggests that has now closed to just three points.

The poll has Fine Gael down two points on 27%, while Fianna Fáil is up three points on 24%.

Sinn Féin is also up three points on 18%.

The independents are on 8%, a drop of six points. The Independent Alliance is up one point to 4%.

There is no change for the Labour Party on 6% and Solidarity-PBP are up one point to 4%.

The Green Party is up one point on 4%, the Social Democrats are down two on 2% and Renua is up two points at 3%.