(MENAFN) Heather Humphreys, the former Irish minister for social protection, is currently at the forefront of the contest to become Ireland's next president, according to a poll cited by a public broadcaster on Sunday.

The Red C survey, conducted for the Business Post, indicated that Humphreys, the candidate representing the Fine Gael party, has garnered 22% support. Jim Gavin, running for Fianna Fail, came in second with 18% backing.

Independent contender Catherine Connolly, who has the endorsement of several left-wing organizations, was close behind with 17% support.

The poll revealed that more than a third of those surveyed—36%—had not yet decided on their preferred candidate.

Results also pointed to notable crossover backing between Ireland's two main centrist parties.

Nearly 29% of Fianna Fail supporters said Humphreys would be their first choice, whereas only 12% of Fine Gael voters expressed support for Gavin.

Other candidates included businessman Peter Casey, a 2018 presidential contender, at 6%, conservative campaigner Maria Steen at 5%, and independents Nick Delehanty and Gareth Sheridan with 4% and 2%, respectively.

The survey, which included 1,003 adults, was conducted between Sept. 4 and 9 and carries a margin of error of three percentage points.

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