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The Irish public believes Mary Lou McDonald is the most effective communicator of all party leaders, a new poll has revealed.

When asked which party leader communicated the best during the campaign to date, 32% of those surveyed responded with the Sinn Fein leader.

Just 15% believed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was the best communicator, while 14% backed Micheal Martin.

A shocking 19% answered the question with "none of the above" when presented with the list of all the major party leaders.

(Image: Stock images)

The findings were revealed in a survey of 1,000 Irish adults conducted last Friday by PR360.

It comes after a separate poll released yesterday showed that Sinn Fein are the most popular political party in the country.

The Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll claimed Fianna Fail are the second most popular party on 23%, while Fine Gael are on 20%.

Dan Pender, Managing Director of PR360, said that the Sinn Fein leader's message of change had "struck a chord" with voters.

He said: "At the outset of this election, we felt that the party leaders would play a critical role in the campaign.

"In an election where a clear majority of voters want change, Mary Lou McDonald is resonating as the best communicator with those that matter most – the voters.

“Her tone and ability to cut through appear to have struck a chord with people. She performed excellently in both leaders’ debates, has maintained strong message discipline, used relatable language, and handled attacks from opponents competently.

(Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)

"She has looked comfortable throughout the campaign and really connected with voters on her message that Sinn Féin are the real alternative to the status quo.

“She has enjoyed some luck along the way, particularly in her first leaders’ debate. As yet, she has not come under the same level of scrutiny of Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar.

"However, given Sinn Féin’s momentum in the polls, and the circumstances of her involvement in tonight’s debate, she can expect that to change between now and polling day.”