Presidential Election 2011: In a second poll conducted by the Irish Observer following this week’s revelations about Sean Gallaghers money matters, Dana’s blow-out, Martin McGuinness’s disclosed interview with Hot Press magazine (1985) where McGuinness said it was OK for IRA members to murder Gardai, and which included 1000 respondents in Dublin and Meath show Michael D Higgins leading the way in the Presidential election 2011. Michael D Higgins took 39% of the total poll while Sean Gallagher polled in second place with 31%, Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness came in third place with 15% up 1% from last week, Gay Mitchell took 9%, Mary Davis 1%, David Norris 1% and Dana 1% with the remaining 3% of respondents stating that they had not yet decided.
When respondents were asked why they Would vote for particular candidates the following categories took precedent:
1. Sean Gallagher (good business sense)
2. Michael D Higgins (can be trusted)
3. Martin McGuinness (realised that violence was wrong)
4. Gay Mitchell (consistent)
5. Mary Davis (work with Special Olympics)
6. David Norris (Gay Rights)
7. Dana (won the eurovision)
This is the second poll conducted by the Irish Observer for the Irish Presidential Election 2011, however, it should be noted that the Irish Observer, using public polls, predicted the result of the General Election within a one-two seat error.
This poll is a snap shot in time and should be viewed in that context; The Irish Observer would suggest that the Presidential campaign winner will be Michael D Higgins and that while he will not achieve the quota on the first count the majority of transfers from Gay Mitchell will go to Michael D Higgins and this will see Michael D Higgins elected as President of Ireland.
Martin McGuinness will pick up a similar vote to that achieved by Sinn Fein in the General Election.
