Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continue to command the support of farmers, the latest Irish Farmers Journal survey has revealed.

Fine Gael has the support of 37% of the over 1,000 farmers surveyed, with Fianna Fáil in second place on 23%.

That represents a 3% increase for the two main coalition partners.

If the farming community is any indication, they will be the main parties in the next government.

Sinn Féin, far from recovering from last May's survey of 6% support, has slipped further to 4%.

However, with the Green Party also languishing at a mere 1%, the two traditional parties may need a new partner.

Independent Ireland garnered 10% support and, coupled with independent candidates on 20%, may well be in the frame.