Two separate polling results raise serious questions about public confidence in Ireland’s Government.
A September 2026 Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll found that just 29% of respondents were satisfied with the Government’s performance — its lowest satisfaction rating in six years. The poll also recorded Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s approval rating at only 34%.
The picture became more difficult for the coalition in the October 2026 Business Post/Red C poll. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were both polling at 15% each, giving them a combined 30%. According to the published report, this was their lowest combined polling support on record, down from 43% before the 2024 general election.
These figures measure two distinct things: the 29% reflects public satisfaction with the Government’s performance, while the 30% represents combined voting intention for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Both figures paint a troubling picture of public confidence and raise serious questions about the coalition’s ability to retain public support.
The findings pose a fundamental democratic question: when satisfaction with the Government is so low and support for its two main parties has fallen to such levels, is it time to return to the people and seek a fresh mandate?
Government Satisfaction
1. Government satisfaction has slumped to just 29%, with Micheál Martin’s rating at a mere 34% – a stark indication of public discontent. It is just not an acceptable performance for any government.
The Irish Times
2. Ipsos B&A’s original poll report — Irish Times/Ipsos B&A Poll – September 2026.
Years of growing calls for this Government to go.
These figures come after years of growing calls for these politicians to go. With satisfaction at just 29% and combined support for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael at only 30%, the latest polling underlines the scale of public discontent.
The question can no longer be brushed aside: should a Government facing such low levels of satisfaction and support continue in office, or is it time to call a General Election and let the people decide?
Have Your Say
OnlineNews.ie has launched a public General Election Survey inviting readers to give their views on the future of the Government, the leadership of Micheál Martin and the accountability of current Government TDs.
The survey asks whether Ireland should hold a general election in light of the combined polling figures for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and invites readers to respond to questions about the Taoiseach’s leadership and future political role.
Take part in the survey and make your opinion count:
OnlineNews.ie — General Election Survey
Polling sources: The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A, 24 September 2026; Business Post/Red C, published 25 October 2026. The
OnlineNews.ie survey is a separate reader poll.
