There has been a significant drop in support for independents, according to a Millward Brown opinion poll for the Sunday Independent.

The survey of voters, over 12 days up to last Wednesday, suggests gains in support for Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Compared to the General Election result, the poll found that when you exclude undecided voters, support for Independents has dropped by 10 percentage points to 8%.

There is no breakdown of the different independent groupings, some of which are in Government.

But it is likely to cause worry for TDs elected on an independent ticket.

There is a substantial rise in support for Sinn Féin - up six points to 20% since the February election.

The other big mover is Fine Gael, the party's support was gauged at 30%. That is up four points since the election.

Fianna Fáil support has also risen by two points to 26%.

Elsewhere, Labour is unchanged on 7%, the AAA-PBP are also static on 4% and the Green Party is on 3% once more.

The Social Democrats have dropped one point and stand at 2% support in the poll.