According to the Irish Independent, the Independent TD is 'cleaning out' the party's vote in the wake of criticism of the former minister.
This latest poll, which was conducted by the Fine Gael party in Tipperary shows some worrying trends for the senior coalition partner.
The poll puts Michael Lowry on 28 percent of the support across the Premier County – equating to about 20,000 votes.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny finally ruled out doing a deal with his former Cabinet colleague to support a minority Fine Gael-lead government.
But the effect has been negative for Fine Gael locally as party support has drifted for Deputy Lowry.
According to the Irish Independent today, a source said that “For the sake of the party at a national level, he had to be ruled out. But it’s done damage to Fine Gael in Tipperary”
The poll also shows that Fine Gael is now chasing just one seat in the county with Junior Minister Tom Hayes and Deputy Noel Coonan neck and neck.
Results of the poll show Alan Kelly, the Labour Party deputy leader, in a fight for the last seat with Independent TD Mattie McGrath and Sinn Féin candidate Seamus Morris.
Fianna Fáil will take back a seat, according to the poll…with Michael Smith currently ahead of Jackie Cahill…but not by much while Independent Seamus Healy of the Workers and Unemployed Action Group is also firmly in contention to retain his seat.
