Support for Irish membership of EU at lowest level since 2013, poll suggests
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA
Support for Ireland’s membership of the European Union has dropped to its lowest level since 2013, a new opinion poll has suggested.
However, the annual European Movement Ireland poll still found strong backing for Ireland’s membership of the EU at 82 per cent.
The research also suggested that 43 per cent across Ireland do not believe their views are represented at EU level.
The all-island poll conducted into European affairs by Amarach Research is now in its 12th year.
The survey found that 34 per cent of respondents feel the EU is not upholding its core values and 26 per cent are dissatisfied with its direction.
The research also found that 36 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with Ireland’s role and influence in Brussels.
Noelle O Connell, chief executive of European Movement Ireland, said: “It is encouraging to see strong support for EU membership in Ireland, albeit a decline on recent years.
“In our 12th year of polling, it is clear that we cannot be complacent, with some people expressing dissatisfaction with the EU’s current trajectory and Irish influence at EU level.
“At a pivotal time in European politics with intensifying efforts to end the war in Ukraine, the ongoing issues relating to EU-US trade which could have serious implications for Ireland, and the increasing influence of populism, among other issues, it is important citizens feel their views are heard across all levels of the EU.”
More than half of respondents (56 per cent) cited cost of living as the most pressing issue for people in the Republic of Ireland, along with housing (41 per cent) and migration (53 per cent).
The poll suggested EU-US relations (44 per cent); the EU’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict (43 per cent) and to the Israel-Palestine conflict (41 per cent) were also prominent concerns.
Respondents in Northern Ireland cited the Israel-Palestine conflict as their top concern at EU level (52 per cent).
Half of those polled in the Republic of Ireland believe the state should be part of increased EU defence and security co-operation, with 32 per cent opposing it and 18 per cent unsure.
Ms O Connell said: “This year’s poll clearly shows that Irish people are worried about both domestic and global issues, from the cost of living and housing to EU-US relations and the EU’s response to migration and international conflicts.
“As the debate on the future of Europe’s security and defence continues, building trust, dialogue and understanding around this complex issue is more important than ever.”
The poll also suggested that a majority would support a united Ireland within the EU, with 67 per cent in Northern Ireland and 62 per cent in Ireland in favour.
Opposition to a United Ireland in the EU is higher in Northern Ireland (27 per cent) compared to the Republic of Ireland (16 per cent).
In Northern Ireland, a majority (60 per cent) believe changes in the EU-UK relationship following Brexit have not improved the region’s relationship with the EU.
Amarach Research was commissioned by the European Movement Ireland to undertake the survey on attitudes to the EU across the island of Ireland.
It used a sample of 1,200 people aged 18 or over in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The data was collected online between March 26-28 and has a margin of error: +/- 2.5 per cent.
