Updated 12.55

A cabinet minister says it is reasonable to expect the government's popularity to take a hit from time to time.

Richard Bruton was responding to the latest opinion poll which shows Fianna Fáíl and Fine Gael now level at 25%.

The IPSOS/MRBI poll for the Irish Times also showed a drop in support for Labour, and a fall in the government's satisfaction rating.

Minister Bruton says he's not too bothered by the drop in support, but says it is natural for a sitting government to fall foul of public opinion from time to time:

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach says he is dealing with the reality of politics and life everyday and he will not comment on opinion polls.

Enda Kenny's seen his personal popularity slump, but won't attribute it to the controversies over the administration of justice were to blame, or anything else:

But one Labour Minister has admitted he is concerned about the party's prospects in the local and Euro elections.

The poll showed support for Labour down 1 to just 8%.

Education Minister Ruairí Quinn admits the garda tapes controversy has had an impact, but insists the government is on top of it now: