While Sinn Féin remains the most popular party in Ireland, a poll has projected it will not be able to form a Government without support from Fianna Fáil. 

In the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll, 33% of people polled said they would vote for Sinn Féin in the next general election. 

This would equate to 67 seats in the Dáil, according to The Independent, based on historical election data. 

Sinn Féin would then have the largest share of TDs in Government – but would fall short of the 87 seats that will be needed to form a Government in the 174-seat Dáil projected for the next election. 

The Independent predicted the only “viable” next Government is a coalition between Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil, who polled at 18% support (35 seats). 

Independent Deputy Political Editor Hugh O’Connell said Sinn Féin’s consistent majority support will likely never equate to forming a single-party Government. 

“With the new Dáil and new seats, it’s unlikely any party will have a majority in the next election,” he said. 

“[But] it means that the party is well placed to form the next Government.” 

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin shakes hands with Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald as Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar looks on at the final TV leaders' debate at the RTE studios in Donnybrook, Dublin. PA Photo. Picture date: Tuesday February 4, 2020. See PA story IRISH Election. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Fine Gael’s support increased by two points to 21%, equating to 40 seats in the projected Dáil. 

Mr O’Connell said Fine Gael’s “tough on crime” stance may be the reason for the minor jump in support. 

“They are seen to be tough on certain issues, such as extra support for Gardaí in the city and discussions about the recruitment age for Gardaí. 

“People are growing increasingly concerned about crime and Fine Gael are getting on top of that,” he said. 

The Green Party was projected to have only one seat in the next Dáil with 2% of support from those polled. 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, 06-07-2020. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Support for the Social Democrats rose by 1% to 6%, equating to a projected share of nine seats in the next Dáil.  

The Labour Party is projected to win three seats in the next Dáil, polling at 3%, while Aontú is projected to earn one seat in the next election with 2% support. 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin remains the most popular party leader in the country with 43% support, while Mary Lou McDonald and Holly Cairns tie for second most popular with 41% support each. 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar dropped by one point to 36% approval.

The poll was conducted on 1,228 people with a margin of error of 2.9%.