Fianna Fáil has extended its lead over Fine Gael in the latest opinion poll.

There's also been a slight increase in support for Sinn Fein, while independent candidates have suffered.

The latest Sunday Business Post/Red C poll sees Fianna Fáil gain a lead over their biggest political rivals. 

The party is up by two points to 28%, which is the party's strongest showing for almost a year.

Fine Gael is unchanged on 24%, as ministers continue to wait to see when Taoiseach Enda Kenny will announce his departure date.

There are worrying signs for the Independent Alliance, according to the latest poll. It's down by one point to 2%, which is half the 4% support level it secured in last year’s general election.

Other Independents haven't fared any better, they are down three points in this latest poll to 10%.

Sinn Féin, meanwhile has seen its support increase by one point to 18%. Labour, which recently held its annual conference in Wexford, is unchanged at 6%.

The Solidarity-People Before Profit party are also unchanged at 4%.

 

Full opinion poll: 

Fianna Fail 28 (+2)

Fine Gael 24 (=)

Sinn Fein 18 (+1)

Independents 10 (-3)

Labour 6 (=)

Social Democrats 4 (+1)

Solidarity- People Before Profit 4 (=)

Green Party 3 (-1)

Independent Alliance 2 (-1)

Renua 1 (+1)