Our last poll result before the general election has thrown up a massive shock, with the result that Johnny Mythen has topped the poll on 18%, while very close behind in second place is Verona Murphy on 17%.

This poll, if replicated on Saturday, would see both Mythen and Murphy elected with a surplus on the first count. There is a gap back then to Fianna Fail duo of Byrne and Browne, with Labour leader Brendan Howlin just behind in 5th on 10%.

18% Johnny Mythen (SF)
17% Verona Murphy (IND)
12% Malcolm Byrne (FF)
11% James Browne (FF)
10% Brendan Howlin (LAB)
7% Paul Kehoe (FG)
6% Michael D’Arcy (FG)
5% Ger Carthy (IND)
5% Michael Sheehan (FF)
2% Jim Codd (AON)
2% Lisa MacDonald (FF)
2% Seanie O’Shea (I4C)
1% Deirdre Wadding (PBP)
1% Paula Roseingrave (GP)
0% Bart Murphy (IND)

Following national trends, the support for FG duo, Darcy and Kehoe, appears to have fallen, leaving both in danger of losing their seats. Having apparently lost support nationwide, the Fine Gael duo in Wexford may also be feeling the impact of the presence of former Fine Gael candidate Verona Murphy who may take a large chunk of usual Fine Gael voters, particularly in South Wexford and New Ross areas.

Our poll topper Johnny Mythen appears to be reaping the benefits of the increased national support levels for Sinn Fein, however being elected on the first count, having lost his council seat only 9 months ago would certainly come as a great surprise to many.

Verona Murphy has also shown remarkably well in our poll. Having polled at 23% in the recent by-election it appears as though Murphy has been successful in maintaining most of that vote share.

Our poll was conducted online, from February 1st to February 3rd and had a sample size of 500 voters. The usual caveats apply to online polls, and there may also be a change in momentum or public opinion over the last week of campaigning which may affect the actual result.

Thanks to all those who took part.