A new opinion poll has shown support for Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Progressive Democrats up one point on last year, with Labour dropping by 2%.
The poll shows Fianna Fáil at 39%, Fine Gael at 24%, the PDs at 6% and Labour down to 10%
The survey, to be published tomorrow in The Irish Examiner, shows support for Sinn Féin down one point to to 9% with the Greens and Independents unchanged at 6%.
The Lansdowne Market Research poll represents a modest boost for the Government and Fine Gael, but the 12-month gap since the last comparable poll diminishes its significance.
However the survey does show an unmistakable improvement in the Government's approval rating.
Of those polled, 45% said they were satisfied with the Govt's performance compared to 37% last year.
Michael McDowell remains a polarising figure, with 40% feeling his emergence as leader of the PDs was a positive development and 30% against.
