A Red C poll measuring the popularity of potential political leaders has found Independent TD Shane Ross to be the public's favourite, ahead of Lucinda Creighton.

The poll, which was conducted between last Monday and Wednesday for the Irish Independent newspaper, asked people who would they like to lead a new party, should one be created.

Ms Creighton is reportedly preparing to launch her new political party early in the new year.

The poll found that 22% supported Deputy Ross, with Deputy Creighton on 18%.

Some 19% of respondents offered no support any of the names suggested by the poll.

Former Labour Party minister Roisin Shortall is the third most popular choice on 13%, with Independent TD Stephen Donnelly on 9%, .

Other candidates included former Tánaiste Michael McDowell (8%), businessman Declan Ganley (4%) and banking expert Peter Mathews (1%).

Eight per cent of respondents said they have no interest in a new party.

In a separate Red C poll in today's Sunday Business Post, Independents were again the most popular political choice in the country, enjoying up one percentage point to 27%.

The poll also saw Sinn Féin draw level to Fine Gael for the first time.

Both parties are on 22%, after Enda Kenny's party fell by four points and Sinn Féin rose by two.

Fianna Fáil are unchanged on 18%. Labour are also static on 8%.

The poll was taken after much of the detail had emerged about the Government's new water charges regime.