Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Photo: Getty
Support for Sinn Féin and Fine Gael is now level, after another slump for Mary Lou McDonald's party and a recovery for Fine Gael in recent weeks.
Support for Fianna Fáil, the Independents and other smaller parties remains stable.
This is evident from the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll, published in the Irish Times today.
Support for Sinn Féin fell by a total of five points this election period. The data shows that support has fallen most among younger, urban, working-class voters.
Support had fallen six points in the same poll in February.
When asked about a combination of parties for the next government, 33% chose the current Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Green coalition.
A total of 20 percent of respondents opted for a Sinn Féin-led government, which did not include Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
The number of undecided voters has fallen by six points to 19%.
The poll was taken just before the local and European elections in Ireland. Candidates for the local elections must register no later than Saturday, May 18.
The position of the parties:
Sinn Féin 23% (down five);
Fine Gael 23st (maximum four);
Fianna Fáil 20st (no change)
Green Party 4st (one down);
Work 5dc (one up);
Social Democrats 3% (down one);
Solidarity – people before profits 2% (no change);
Agree 1pc (no change).
Independents are at 17% (no change).