Mitchell/Noonan, Polls show Mitchell ahead in leadership race
A Sunday Independent/IMS poll to be published tomorrow shows Jim Mitchell leading the race for the Fine Gael party leadership over Michael Noonan and Enda Kenny. The poll was carried out two days ago before Bernard Allen entered the contest. The survey also shows a substantial increase in the satisfaction rate with the Government's performance.
However, in a two candidate contest among Fine Gael party supporters, it is Michael Noonan who is favoured over Jim Mitchell. The poll also shows that 46% of those questioned agreed with the parliamentary party's decision to vote no confidence in John Bruton.
In relation to the state of the parties Fianna Fail stands at 46% - down 1% on the previous poll and down 6% since February 2000. There is good news for Fine Gael, however, which shows an increase of 2% to 25%. Labour is at 11% down 1%, the Progressive Democrats are at 4% - up 1%. The Green Party is at 4% - down 1%. Sinn Féin polled 4% down 2%. The Workers Party remains the same at 1% while Others(Independents) are up 2 to 5%.
While, Fianna Fáil support has decreased, the party, along with its coalition partners the Progressive Democrats, can take comfort from the poll which shows a substantial increase of 6% to 60% satisfaction with the Government's performance.
