Sinn Féin has overtaken Fine Gael to become the most popular political party in Ireland, according to the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll.

The survey shows support for Mary Lou McDonald's party rising by one percentage point over the past month to 21%, putting it two points clear of Fine Gael, which dropped one point to 19%. Fianna Fáil gained one point to reach 17%. The shift in voter sentiment comes as party leaders prepare to host their annual autumn think-in meetings ahead of the presentation of Budget 2027 in October.

Peadar Tóibín's Aontú secured a record high support level of 8%, rising one percentage point. Among other political groups, the Social Democrats remained unchanged at 10%, Independent Ireland held at 7%, Labour and the Green Party stayed at 3% each, and People Before Profit–Solidarity recorded 2% support. Combined support for independent candidates and other minor entities fell two points to 10%.

With key fiscal decisions approaching, respondents identified the cost of living (47%) and housing (42%) as their principal priorities, followed by immigration at 25%, healthcare at 13%, and climate change at 12%. The survey also indicated continued public frustration with the coalition, as 63% of respondents reported disapproving of the government's performance compared to 29% who expressed approval. The poll was conducted on 4 September among a sample of 1,044 respondents, with a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.