There's been an increase in support for the government parties, according to the first opinion poll of the New Year.

The Red C poll for Paddy Power shows Fine Gael support rising three points to 24 per cent, while Labour are up two points to 8.

Both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin lose ground, with Sinn Féin down 3 to 21, while Fianna Fáil are down one to 18 per cent - the same score they've recorded in six of the last seven Red C polls.

Independents and others are down two per cent to 28 - while Lucinda Creighton's new 'Reboot Ireland' party scores just 1 per cent in its first outing.

The results come as welcome news to the Coalition parties following a slump in opinion polls published last month.