SINN Fein has increased its support by five points to 22pc in the latest opinion poll - bouncing back after public confidence in the party plummeted in the wake of the Paudie McGahon sex abuse scandal.

Support for Gerry Adam's party dropped to five points to 17pc in the last poll which was taken in the midst of claims Sinn Fein covered claims Mr McGahon was raped by a senior Republican.

The Government parties - Fine Gael (25) and Labour (8) - both dropped two points in today's survey after making significant gains in recent opinion polls.

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The two Coalition partners jumped three point in the previous Red C/Sunday Business Post poll and Labour support was in double digits for the first time in over a year.

Today's findings will be a major blow for Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tanaiste Joan Burton as they prepare for the Carlow Kilkenny by-election.

Fianna Fail jumped one per cent to 17pc in the poll, which was carried out this week between Monday and Wednesday.

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The results show support for the party continues to stagnate and is likely to be a talking point among delegates attending the party's Ard Fheis in Dublin today.

The rise of the Independents has stalled slightly dropping two points to 26pc, while the Green Party and Lucinda Creighton's Reanua are both on 1pc.

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Online Editors