Janice Boylan is leading the race in the upcoming Dublin Central by-election, according to a new opinion poll that points to a highly competitive contest with transfers likely to play a decisive role.
The TG4/Irish Times Ipsos B&A survey places the Sinn Féin candidate on 21 per cent of first-preference support, ahead of Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats on 18 per cent.
Independent candidate Gerry Hutch was recorded on 14 per cent, followed by Ray McAdam of Fine Gael on 13 per cent.
The poll, conducted among 659 voters between 7 May and 12 May, carries a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.
Further down the field, Janet Horner of the Green Party secured 8 per cent support, while Independent candidate Malachy Steenson was on 7 per cent.
Ruth O'Dea of Labour Party registered 6 per cent support, with John Stephens of Fianna Fáil on 4 per cent. Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin of People Before Profit polled 3 per cent, while the remaining candidates attracted 1 per cent or less.
Although Boylan currently tops the poll, the findings suggest Ennis could emerge as a strong contender once transfers are distributed under Ireland’s proportional representation system.
When voters were asked about their second preferences, Ennis led the field with 15 per cent support. Horner followed on 14 per cent, while both Boylan and Steenson received 10 per cent each.
Hutch, Ó Ceannabháin, Stephens and McAdam each secured 8 per cent support for second preferences, while O’Dea attracted 7 per cent.
The by-election was triggered following the departure of former Fine Gael TD and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, who left the Dáil late last year to take up a position with the World Bank.
A total of 14 candidates are contesting the seat, with voters set to go to the polls next week.
Other candidates standing include Independents Tony Corrigan, Colm Joseph Flood, Mannix Flynn and John O’Leary, alongside Ian Noel Smyth of Aontú.
