Deadlock in Áras race as new poll shows an opening for Sinn Féin скачать в хорошем качестве

Deadlock in Áras race as new poll shows an opening for Sinn Féin

Three likely rivals for the presidential election are essentially locked in a dead heat as the campaign steps up a gear, a new poll for the Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks has shown. But the race could yet be upended if Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald enters the race, with the party yet to confirm if they will run a candidate. Today’s poll reveals that Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys remains the frontrunner at 21pc, while Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin is just one point behind — even though he has yet to be officially declared the party’s candidate. Independent Catherine Connolly is level with Mr Gavin on 20pc — but the poll shows her vote could eroded if Ms McDonald decides to enter the race. The poll shows that Ms McDonald has a clear lead as the public’s choice for a Sinn Féin candidate on 17pc, followed by Michelle O’Neill, Gerry Adams and Pearse Doherty, all on 9pc. Among Sinn Féin supporters, Ms McDonald has an even clearer lead at 35pc, a staggering 20 points ahead of Gerry Adams on 15pc. Sinn Féin is still considering its plans for the presidential election, though the party has said it will back a candidate, whether be it their own or someone else’s. The polls show that 52pc of Sinn Féin voters want a party nominee, while 40pc are happy for the party to throw its weight behind Ms Connolly. In a possible four-way contest including the Sinn Féin leader, Ms Humphreys still currently maintains the lead on 19pc, Mr Gavin follows on 18pc, Ms McDonald holds 17pc, and Ms Connolly slips back to 14pc. The remaining percentage of respondents said “I don’t know”. Sinn Féin TDs and senators will gather tomorrow to discuss their strategy before the party’s ard comhairle makes a final decision by September 20. Independent hopefuls will begin touring county council chambers in the coming days to make their pitch for a nomination. However, there does not seem to be a great appetite among the public for a wide field of candidates. The poll offered participants a longer ballot paper, including many of those who have publicly declared an interest in running. None of these independent contenders reached double figures. Bob Geldof gained the most traction but the Boomtown Rats singer achieved just 7pc. Conor McGregor, who has asked Dublin City Council for a hearing, got just 2pc. All eyes will be on Fianna Fáil this Tuesday when TDs, senators and MEPs meet at Leinster House to hear 10-minute pitches from Jim Gavin and Billy Kelleher. The party leadership will be relieved that the ex-Dublin GAA manager has polled well, even if he is not out in front overall. Notably, since confirming his interest, Mr Gavin has not yet set out any public plan for the presidency or conducted any media interviews. Compared with Ms Humphreys and Ms Connolly, it is not clear where he stands on most issues. Supporters of Mr Kelleher will be encouraged that he is neck-and-neck with Mr Gavin among voters who were asked who should be the Fianna Fáil candidate. However, Fianna Fáil voters are backing the leadership’s choice of Mr Gavin by a majority of two to one, with 54pc of those supporters backing Gavin, compared to Kelleher’s 27pc.