A new opinion poll shows support for Fianna Fáil is at its highest point in the last eight years.

Those taking part in the survey were asked who they would vote for if there were a general election

Micheál Martin’s party won 33% support – a nine-point rise – which puts the party nine points ahead of closest rival Fine Gael (24%).

Fine Gael saw a two-point drop in support. Sinn Féin grew by two points, which Labour was down two to 5%.

Independents saw the biggest drop, down eight points to 22%.

Micheál Martin is also the most popular party leader, with a 43% approval rating.

The poll of 1,200, conducted by Ipsos/MRBI for The Irish Times, was taken on Monday and Tuesday of this week in the middle of both the abortion and Brexit controversies.