Fianna Fáil is officially the most popular party in the country once more, and support for Taoiseach Enda Kenny is at its highest level since 2012..

The latest Irish Times/MRBI poll claims Fianna Fáil has 30% support – compared to 27% for Fine Gael.

Both parties have improved since the last time voters were asked in October.

Labour has also gained in popularity.

However, Independents have dropped, as have Sinn Féin who have gone down two points to 14%.

The face-to-face survey spoke to 1,200 adults across the country on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Enda Kenny saw a seven-point rise in his popularity, to 36%.

The timing of the poll coincides with the resurfacing of the Sinn Féin scandal surrounding the death of Brian Stack.

The Portlaoise prison officer was attacked by the IRA in 1983 and died 18 months later from his injuries. 

Last night two Sinn Féin deputies Martin Ferris and Dessie Ellis denied having any involvement in Mr Stack’s death – after being named under Dáil privilege. 

It came after Gerry Adams read a speech into the Dáil record – something Austin Stack says hasn’t provided any solace for his family: “Proceedings in Dáil Eireann cast, in my view, a large shadow over democracy.

“  My family was extremely disappointed with the statement that Deputy Adams read out to the house, my family will continue to fight for justice for my dad we will continue to try and uncover the truth.”