Micheal Martin, the peoples’ choice for Taoiseach!

Fianna Fail leader is the preferred choice for Taoiseach, 12% ahead of Kenny in Red C poll.

Today’s Red C Poll put Fianna Fail’s new leader Micheal Martin as the voter’s top choice for Taoiseach irrespective of party preference. Martin is first choice with 31%, Eamon Gilmore, Labour, is second with 26%, Enda Kenny, Fine Gael, received the approval of just 19%.

Kenny’s poor personal showing follows criticism of his response to Micheal Martin’s invitation to a 3 way debate between the leaders of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour. Mr Kenny, widely regarded to have been outperformed in debates with Bertie Ahern prior to the 2007 election, stated a preference for a 5 way debate, ruling out Martin’s request. Allegations were made that Kenny was “scared” by Fianna Fail’s proposal ( http://bit.ly/gCb7rc )

Joan Burton, Labour finance spokesperson, advised this reporter via twitter “Labour is anxious to debate Micheal Martin and Enda Kenny, Fianna Fáil is the current government, Labour and Fine Gael in line to be the biggest parties. Debate between the 3 highly appropriate.” The deputy for Dublin West responded to suggestions that Labour was making political capital out of Kenny’s refusal. (  http://bit/ly/hI67Rq  ) Ciaran Lynch, Labour TD, advised Rte the party would consider debating Fianna Fail without Fine Gael if need be.

Fine Gael are still the most popular party with 33% intending to vote for them, a lead of 12% over Labour, currently on 21%. Micheal Martin’s individual popularity coincides with an increase in support for Fianna Fail of just 2% to 16%.

The recent Red C poll advises independent candidates have the backing of 15% of the electorate, a strong result in the wake of independents Michael Lowry and Mattie McGrath requesting high profile amendments to the Finance bill in the Dail.

Sinn Fein has consolidated their approval rating, registering a slight drop to 13% down from 14% in January. The party are still expected to see their best election result since 1922. Just 9% of persons questioned by Red C named Gerry Adams as their preferred choice for Taoiseach. Mr Adams has come under criticism recently for his position on economic affairs, not least from the Green party’s Paul Gogarty who called Mr Adams an “economic illiterate.” ( http://bit.ly/hHFBAQ )

The Green party are said to have the support of just 2% of people polled, despite having recently vacated the beleaguered government coalition.