Opinion polls can be accused of a lot of things, but when it comes to the first poll of the General Election 2020 campaign, boring is not one of them, writes Ocionnaith
A stumbling start for Fine Gael, a sprint out of the blocks for Fianna Fáil, a push into the front row for Sinn Féin, and a copper-fastening of the Greens' and Labour's hopes for a potential kingmaker role.
A sober, cautious analysis will point out the poll's 3.3% margin of error, and the pre-general election survey period of 2 to 14 January. When Leo Varadkar called the general election last Tuesday, party strategists would have hoped to frame the campaign around Brexit, stable management of the macro-economy and how it has the experience in office.
And that issue, coupled with the first poll results, means party strategists will now have a decision to make - whether to stick with the plan with the expectation the poll gap will tighten, or to switch its tactics to pull back lost ground. The 32% initial poll for Fianna Fáil and its 5% rise from the last poll just before Christmas will give the party a fresh bounce in its step as its candidates knock on doors around the country.
With Fianna Fáil gaining a 12% lead in the first poll, it is inevitable the party will now be under a far more intense spotlight to explain the exact details of its policies should it enter government. The poll positioning is likely to result in Sinn Féin making fresh calls for more coverage in the campaign, as it believes it is a legitimate alternative to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
In addition, although its 19% poll rating is just 1% less than Fine Gael, the party will be aware its poll haul continues to stick rigidly within the high teens and low twenties space of recent months, a position it will want to improve on if it wants its aspirations to turn into reality.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Rock breaks social media silence with emotional tribute to dad Rocky JohnsonWWE legend Rocky Johnson passed away earlier this week at the age of 75 with his superstar son issuing a lengthy heart-wrenching post on social media
Read more »
Battle between FF, FG focus of election campaign so farThe smaller parties have been launching specific and focused policy proposals while selling a message of change and urging voters to dispense with the traditional politics of old.
Read more »
The Rock breaks social media silence with emotional tribute to dad Rocky JohnsonWWE legend Rocky Johnson passed away earlier this week at the age of 75 with his superstar son issuing a lengthy heart-wrenching post on social media
Read more »
Greg O’Shea opens up about what he sees as his ideal TV role'Even though it is not as big as your Love Island, I could still see myself fitting into something like that'
Read more »