Sinn Fein are now the most popular party in the country even ahead of Fine Gael, according to a Sunday Independent/Millward Brown poll.

However,despite the rise in popularity of Sinn Fein, the party leader Gerry Adam's disapproval rating has increased 8pc.

Sinn Fein at 26pc are four points ahead of Fine Gael on 22pc while Fiann Fail are stagnant at 20pc.

The rise of the Independents continues with 23pc saying they would give them a first preference at an election Labour, however, at 7pc continue to struggle despite the change in leadership.

Sunday Independent Millward Brown opinion poll:

Fine Gael down 3pc to 22pc,

Fianna Fáil down 1pc to 20pc,

Sinn Féin up 4pc to 26pc,

Labour down 2pc to 7pc,

Independents no change on up 2pc to 23pc.

The poll also reveals strong opposition to water charges and huge support for a new party.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar is also the clear favourtie to replace Enda Kenny as leader of Fine Gael.

And only 8pc of voters believe they are better off as a consequence of Budget 2015.

The poll also show that 67pc of people are uncomfortable handing over their PPS numbers to Irish Water. A quarter of people surveyed said they will not pay their water charges when bills come through the door in January.

However, 56pc of households say they have cut down on their water usage to some degree ahead of the introduction of charges.

Almost 1,000 adults were questioned for the poll, which was carried out between October 21 and October 31.

Online Editors