In the words of one senior Labour figure last week, the latest opinion poll findings came as a "sucker punch" for the party.

The 2pc drop in support - revealed just weeks after the momentous victory in the Marriage Equality referendum - simply wasn't part of the political script.

The fact that it coincided with a significant jump in support for Fine Gael caused even more bewilderment, and disappointment in Labour circles.

TDs are reporting a significant mood change in their constituencies - which they say is simply not reflected by the poll results.

"People who used to slam the door or close the curtains are now engaging with us, it certainly doesn't feel like we are on 6pc," said a Labour minister.

Despite the warmer reception on the doorsteps, the party knows it needs a bounce, and it needs one quickly.

Labour's continued stagnation in the polls means the summer holidays will be put on hold.

Party strategists are acutely aware that they must, one way or another, find the ingredients required for a revival.

It's a revival they are desperate to bring about.

Thus, a game of high stakes poker awaits.

The choice of table is Budget 2016.

And Labour has little option but to go 'all in'.

Party leader and Tánaiste Joan Burton has already begun to show her hand to the opponents.

She has been quick to pledge a further €5 hike in child benefit, on top of a similar increase that was delivered last year.

And as Fine Gael backbenchers launched their campaign for the restoration of the telephone allowance last month, Ms Burton and Minister for State Kevin Humphreys sent a clear message that the Social Protection purse strings are firmly in their grasp.

That message was sent loud and clear to the Blueshirts again last Friday.

Speaking at the annual Social Protection Forum at Dublin Castle, Ms Burton warned against engaging in a "parlour game".

"The Budget isn't a parlour game in which everybody puts out what they would like," Ms Burton stated firmly.

Nonetheless, revelations today that her department is examining the introduction of increases to the dole for young people illustrate that the Budget games have well and truly begun.

Increasing the dole for this cohort may not be the biggest vote-getter, but it is part of the Labour mantra of giving something back to those who need it most.

The big challenge in the months ahead for Joan Burton is convincing the electorate that Ireland is a better place because Labour is in government.

It truly is a case of 'last chance saloon' for the junior Coalition partner.

Perhaps Ms Burton has a few cards up her sleeve.

Irish Independent