A national opinion poll has indicated a big increase in support for the Taoiseach and for Fianna Fáil in the wake of the payments controversy of recent weeks.
The poll in The Sunday Tribune indicates a corresponding drop in support for the Opposition parties, and their hopes of offering voters an alternative government in the next election.
The poll indicates that the recent controversy over payments to Bertie Ahern has increased support for the Taoiseach and for Fianna Fáil.
Millward Brown IMS, who conducted this poll for The Sunday Tribune, found people evenly divided on whether they believed the Taoiseach's explanation for those payments, although 55% thought he was wrong to accept the money.
But two-thirds said he should not have resigned over the controversy.
Asked who they wanted as Taoiseach, 56% chose Mr Ahern, an increase of six points in five weeks.
25% opted for Enda Kenny, a fall of four.
In terms of party support, Fianna Fáil has the backing of 42%, an increase of five.
Fine Gael is at just 20%, a fall of six.
Labour is down three to 10%.
The Progressive Democrats are unchanged at 4%.
The Green Party is up one to 6%.
Sinn Féin are unchanged at 8%.
Independents and Others are up one at 10%.
