Sinn Féin has said that this election is the first time in the history of the State that we could return a Government that contains neither Fianna Fáil nor Fine Gael.

The latest Red C poll shows Fine Gael’s popularity is down by 5 points to 26% while Fianna Fail has just 19% support.

The poll for the Irish Sun was conducted between Thursday of last week and Tuesday evening among 1,006 voters.

Sinn Féin’ stands on 17%, and party spokesman on Jobs, Peadar Tobin, expects the figure to rise.

“It’s been startling that Sinn Féin is the fastest-growing party in this country, without a shadow of a doubt,” he said.

“And what we’ve seen is the first time ever, since the foundation of the State, that we have an opportunity to elect a Government that does not include Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.

“That’s never been an option before for the people of Ireland.”