Fine Gael Seanad leader Maurice Cummins has ruled out an early general election. He was responding in the House to the Irish Times/Ipsos poll which showed a serious slump in support for Fine Gael and Labour.

“While we all accept opinion polls are a snapshot in time, the Government intends to be there for the next 12 months and work for the people in providing jobs,” he added.

Mr Cummins was responding to Fianna Fáil Senator Paschal Mooney, who said the poll seemed to indicate people had lost trust in the Government.

“That is not surprising when one considers the mounting evidence,’’ Mr Mooney added. “The Tánaiste has been critical of her partners in Government over Fine Gael’s attempts to relieve the tax burden on the wealthy.’’

Mr Cummins said unemployment was down to 10.7 per cent. “It is still too high, but it is a massive improvement on the position when we came into office, where 250,000 jobs had been lost in the previous three years.”

He said some 144,645 people had left the live register in the past 12 months.

“Obviously, we are not getting the good news out to the people,” he added. “I can assure Senator Mooney we will emphasise the good news for the next 12 months, and maybe more.”

Mr Mooney also asked why there had not been a meeting of county managers on homelessness. Mr Cummins replied they had been asked for their plans and given funding.