Government plans for a surge in support following a giveaway budget have failed to materialise, according to the latest opinion poll.

A Red C survey for the Sunday Business Post found Fine Gael have jumped slightly in public support, while Labour have suffered yet another drop.

Support for Fine Gael has risen two points to 30%, but Labour drops three to 7%, leaving the Coalition in a worse position despite the first giveaway budget since before the economic crisis.

Fianna Fáil have risen two points to 20%, while Sinn Féin remains unchanged on 16%. Independents and others are down one to 27%.

This includes the Green Party and Renua on 2% each, while the Social Democrats and Anti-Austerity Alliance with People Before Profit on 1% each.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be breathing a sigh of relief that he did not call a November election, but Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton will be questioning a 7% support level - the same as when the party replaced Eamon Gilmore as leader.

Political Correspondent for the Sunday Business Post, Pat Leahy, says the results will be deeply disappointing for the Government: