Sinn Féin will “have to address” the anti-immigrant views of some of its supporters, according to journalist Brenda Power. 

The latest Irish Times/Ipsos poll found almost six in 10 voters want a “more closed policy” on immigration while 16% back a more open policy. 

Those who support Sinn Féin were most likely to want a more closed immigration policy at 72%. 

More than half of Sinn Féin supporters (53%) think immigrants have had a negative impact on the country, the highest figure among the parties. 

Sunday Times columnist Brenda Power these figures were not “reassuring” for Sinn Féin. 

“They are generally very pro-immigration, so it is a concern,” she told The Anton Savage Show. 

“Sinn Féin has already seen a bit of a slump in the polls - there are theories their support may have peaked. 

“That is against the general trend and it’s something they’ll have to address.” 

Writer Barbara Scully pointed out the reason Sinn Féin supporters are most likely to be concerned about immigration is economics. 

“Any of the issues that come up in relation to immigration are all going to affect communities that are underfunded and disadvantaged anyway,” she said. 

“That's where a lot of the Sinn Féin support comes from so you can understand why. 

“It's nice to have a scapegoat or someone to blame.” 

'I can sympathise with them'

Ms Power pointed out these results are consistent across polls, including a Sunday Independent poll that found over a third of Sinn Féin supporters (36%) said they would consider supporting parties with strong anti-immigrant views. 

She also said the growing concerns about immigration in Ireland might affect how politicians behave in the next general election. 

“You wonder if the response from some will be to talk out both sides of their mouth,” she said. 

“I can sympathise with them – you're talking to a local community, and some definitely feel they have justification in saying we’ve taken enough. 

“It will be difficult for any public representative or candidate to say to them there’s more to come.” 

People who support the Green Party are least likely to support a more open immigrant policy at 13%, followed by Labour and Fine Gael at 33% and 44% respectively. 

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