Parties struggle to find traction against Varadkar and Fine Gael

FF is down by five points, the Independent Alliance at 1 per cent is hit by Shane Ross signing off on a hockey pitch grant on his own turf, SF is up two points despite internal turmoil, and Labour is becalmed at 6 per cent

Micheál Martin and his party are not gaining ground on Fine Gael Picture: Leon Neal/AFP

It has been a difficult time for Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Even with a free vote in operation, no party leader likes to see a majority of his TDs lining up to vote against his own position – in this case, holding the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment.

The latest Sunday Business Post/Red C poll contains further bad news for Martin. His party had been on a high last month after ...