To the surprise of many observers, polls taken during and after the payments' crisis indicated a sharp rise in support for the Ahern government and a corresponding fall in support for the Opposition parties. While 55–64% of the public believed that he was wrong to accept the payments, support for his party rose to 39–42%, while support for the main Opposition parties Fine Gael and the Labour Party fell to 20–26% and 10–11%. Two-thirds believed he should not have resigned. The polls provoked complaints from the media.Coalition regains lead over alternative govt. – RTÉ website article, 13 October 2006.Second poll shows big rise in Ahern's support – RTÉ website article, 15 October 2006. The Irish Times commented they were a "poor reflection of ourselves".
