An Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times showed a 14 point drop in government support.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has dismissed a poll that showed a sharp fall in the public’s opinion of the government.

He said the only poll he cares about is the general election, which saw the Fine Gael and Labour coalition seal a landslide victory over rival parties.

The Taoiseach said public satisfaction may have dropped due to tough decisions the Government has been forced to make.

“I acknowledge of course that people have difficulties in adjusting to changes that have to be made,” said Mr Kenny, in response to the Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times survey.

“But the fact we are spending €18 million more than we are taking in is a problem that will not go away and that has to be faced.”

Mr Kenny said the Government has tried very hard to return stability to the economy, through prioritising growth and job creation.

Earlier, Sinn Féin said it is not taking its rise in popularity for granted, despite scoring its highest ever rating in a public satisfaction poll.

Support for the party rose six points to 21 per cent in a survey that saw the coalition Government’s rating suffer a sharp drop of 14 points to 23 per cent.

The Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times poll saw the Labour Party take a hit in the public’s estimations, slumping by six points to 13 per cent.