Poll shows Catherine Connolly has substantial lead in Áras race

Michael Bolton

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly leads the way in the Presidential race.

The latest Business Post Red C poll shows Connolly on 36 per cent, with Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys on 25 per cent and Jim Gavin who pulled out of the contest on 12 per cent.

When Mr Gavin's first preferences are redistributed based on second preference patterns, Connolly’s support rises to 39 per cent, while Humphreys' increases to 31 per cent.

The remaining 30 per cent either remain undecided or give non-transferable preferences.

The margin of error in the poll is +/- three per cent..

Red C interviewed a random sample of 1,001 adults aged 18 and over online between the 2nd and 7th of October.