The first opinion poll recorded since the general election was called has found Fianna Fáil is holding a two-point lead over Fine Gael.
The Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll shows Fianna Fáil has 25% approval rating compared to 23% for Fine Gael.
This is the first time in three years that they have been ahead of Fine Gael.
The results of the poll marks a six-point drop for the main government party compared to the most recent Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll last October.
There is no change in popularity for Fianna Fáil.
Sinn Féin has registered a big seven-point jump to 21%.
There was no change for the Green Party (8%), while Labour is down one point to 5%.
Support for Independents and small parties is also unchanged at 18%.
Party Leaders
In terms of support for party leaders, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's approval stands at 27%, falling from 42% in October.
Fianna Fáil's Micheál Martin has also had a drop in the ratings to 33% from 38%.
Sinn Féin President Mary- Lou McDonald was the only party leader to see her approval ratings rise, from 30% to 34%.
A face-to-face survey of 1,200 people was taken on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week.
The poll has margin of error of 2.8%.