Embattled Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny received good news in a new poll that is published in Dublin's Sunday Business Post.

The poll shows Fine Gael support up three points at 33 per cent, Labour Party at 27 per cent and governing party Fianna Fail at 24 per cent

Kenny recently narrowly survived an effort by members of his own front bench to depose him as leader of Ireland's largest opposition party.

The attempt came after an opinion poll in the Irish Times last month showed Fine Gael finishing behind the Labour Party as the largest opposition group for the first time ever.

The new poll puts Fine Gael back on top and will come as a major relief to Kenny.

However, the poll did shows a jump in support for Labour, with Eamon Gilmore the most popular choice for Prime Minister at 40 per cent, Kenny at 28 per cent and current incumbent Brian Cowen at 18 per cent.

On  Kenny's handling of the challenge to his leadership, 29 per cent said the way he dealt with it gave them more confidence in his ability. However, 21 per cent were less confident of that ability, while 49 per cent said it made no difference.