Connolly is in poll position

CATHERINE Connolly has taken a major lead over presidential rival Heather Humphreys in the polls, the latest figures show - as the Fine Gael hopeful was hit by a fresh blow, with TD Paul Murphy taking legal action against her.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN and CILLIAN SHERLOCK

CAMPAIGN Humphreys, left, and Education Minister Helen McEntee As a proud republican I feel strongly our flag symbolises inclusion HUMPHREYS ON SCHOOL NATIONAL FLAG INITIATIVE

Ms Connolly, a left-wing independent TD backed by opposition parties including Sinn Fein, is on 38%, ahead of Fine Gael’s Ms Humphreys on 20%.

The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll says support for Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin, who pulled out of the contest, is at 5%.

Despite his declaration to drop out, electoral rules mean that Mr Gavin's name will still appear on the ballot paper and his votes will be counted.

Some 12% of voters said they would not vote, 6% said they would spoil their ballot and the number of undecideds was at 18%.

When those voters are excluded, Ms Connolly is on 60%, Ms Humphreys is on 32%, and Mr Gavin is on 8% — with the Fianna Fail candidate's votes projected to split fairly evenly if they were to be redistributed to the remaining hopefuls.

Ms Connolly's campaign itinerary for yesterday included events across Dublin.