A new opinion poll suggests a significant increase in support for Fine Gael and a slight rise in support for the Labour Party.
The Sunday Times Behaviour and Attitudes survey found that 27% of voters remain undecided.
Excluding the undecided voters, this poll makes very good reading for Fine Gael. Boosted perhaps by strong public finance figures, the party is up five points to 31% in the last month.
But again, Labour benefits little from the improved economic outlook. A modest one-point increase bringing its support to just 8%.
The main opposition parties' support fell in this poll taken over ten days up to last Wednesday. Fianna Fáil are on 19%, down one point. Sinn Féin drop four points to 17%.
While Independents and others fall by two points bringing that group to 24%.
Within that 24%: Independents get 11% support; the Independent Alliance's support is measured at 2%; the Greens and the Anti Austerity People Before Profit Alliance are both on 4%; and the Social Democrats, Renua and the Workers Party are all on 1%.
It all suggests that at least one Government party is in a strong position as the election draws near. But the rest will take hope from the fact that 27% of voters must still decide who they will vote for next Spring.
