Polls due to appear in The Sunday Business Post and Sunday Times newspapers both show Mr Gallagher holding a commanding lead, with Mr Higgins trailing in second place.
It seems however – despite the negative publicity – that Fianna Fail grassroots supporters are backing Gallagher, especially in Co Donegal. His father is from Killygordon.
The Sunday Business Post / Red C poll has Mr Gallagher on 40%, up one point on last week’s figures.
Mr Higgins, meanwhile, polls second at 26%, down one point.
Martin McGuinness polls third with 13%, unchanged on last week, David Norris enjoys a three point rise to 10%, while Gay Mitchell is down two points to 6%.
Dana Rosemary Scallon polls second from bottom at 3%, up one point, while Mary Davis suffers a two point drop to 2%.
The poll was taken between Tuesday and Thursday of last week and asked the opinions of 1,000 voters.
The Sunday Times’ poll, carried out between Sunday and Tuesday by Behaviour and Attitudes, also shows Mr Gallagher with a strong lead over the field.
It places him on 38%, compared to 26% for Mr Higgins
Mr McGuinness again polls third with 17% while Mr Mitchell has the support of 8%. Mr Norris polls 6%, Ms Davis gets just 3% while Ms Scallon records a dismal 2% support.
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