An opinion poll has indicated that Enda Kenny may have made the right decision about an election if it doesn't take place until next year.

The Behaviour & Attitudes poll was taken between October 5th and 14th - meaning it was almost entirely taken before the Budget.

Nonetheless, the poll is a clear sign that the government parties have work to do if they are to successfully retain power.

Fine Gael drop three points to 24 compared to two months ago, while Labour gain two points to 8 - but their combined support is well short of re-election levels.

Fianna Fáil fall one point to 19, and now stand level with unchanged Sinn Féin - but the poll also shows how the electorate is becoming increasingly fractured.

17% support independent candidates - including 5% for the Independent Alliance.

The combined left bloc of the Socialist/Anti Austerity/People Before Profit alliance are on 7, Renua are on 2, while the Greens, Social Democrats and the Workers Party are each on 1%.

Arriving at the Fine Gael presidential dinner, Enda Kenny commented on the poll - or rather continued to not comment on polls in general, stating that "the only poll that really matters, as we all know, is the general election."

Political Editor with The Sunday Times Stephen O'Brien says that the coalition have a lot of work to do if they are to successfully retain power: