Independent candidate Catherine Connolly has built up a significant lead over Heather Humphreys in the presidential election race, a new opinion poll suggests.
The Irish Times Ipsos B&A poll indicates that Ms Connolly is on 38% support with Ms Humphreys on 20%. Jim Gavin, who has withdrawn from the campaign, is on 5%.
The survey of 1,200 voters, taken from Sunday to Tuesday, places Ms Connolly as the clear front runner with just over a week to go to polling.
There are still many people who have not made up their minds, with that figure standing at 18% in this poll, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8%.
Some 12% of those surveyed indicated that they will not vote while 6% intend to spoil their vote.
This poll also suggests that any second preference votes from Mr Gavin, whose name remains on the ballot paper, will split fairly evenly between Ms Connolly and Ms Humphreys.
67% of those polled believed that Mr Gavin was correct in his decision to quit the campaign.
Voters go to the polls on 24 October.
Last night, Fianna Fáil finalised the terms of reference for its review into Mr Gavin's selection and subsequent withdrawal from the election.
It is set to complete its work in four weeks and will be chaired by a barrister.
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Meanwhile, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he is supporting Ms Humphreys in the election given that neither himself or Jim Gavin are in the race.
Speaking on Newstalk radio he said he has always found Ms Humphreys to be a kind, considerate and friendly person.
"A person who could do an awful lot of work on reconciliation and rebuilding communities, through her religion and her own involvement. She brings the positive thing of community spirit and understanding," he said.
