Just 9% of people in Ireland said the country should exit the bloc, with 7% saying they were not sure.
However, while support for Ireland’s membership of the EU remains strong, the poll indicates a notable decline in both jurisdictions on the question of whether the EU is moving in the right direction, with a drop from 58% in 2023 to 49% this year.
Among the areas of low satisfaction with the EU’s performance were its response on issues such as migration, war in Ukraine, and the Israeli war in Gaza.
A total of 46% of respondents in Ireland and 44% in Northern Ireland ranked the EU’s performance weakest in the area of migration amid debate around the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
On the question of whether people were satisfied with the EU’s response to the Israel-Gaza conflict, even greater dissatisfaction levels were found, with two-thirds or 64% in Ireland and 72% in Northern Ireland reported.
Nearly half of respondents in both jurisdictions believe that the EU’s performance is strongest in the area of trade — 46% in the Republic, and 55% in the North.
Over half of people in Ireland — 56% — favour Ireland strengthening its defence and security cooperation with the EU, up seven points from last year’s poll.
The poll also revealed slight differences in comparison to last year’s findings on the question of a united Ireland in the EU, with opinion being nearly evenly divided.
In Northern Ireland, 47% (45% in 2023) believe there will be a united Ireland with 43% (39% in 2023) disagreeing.
In Ireland, similar to last year, this year’s poll found a majority of 55% stating they do not believe that there will be a united Ireland in the EU over the next 10 years (58% in 2023).
When asked which of the institutions they trusted most, 34% chose the Irish Government, 26% said they trusted the EU, but a significant majority of 40% stated none of the above.
With a month to go to polling day, a large majority, 88%, agree that it is important to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections.
However, in the last European elections in 2019, Irish voter turnout was below the EU average.
Commenting on the findings, European Movement Ireland CEO Noelle O’Connell said: “At a pivotal time for Europe, Ireland’s continuing high support for EU membership, is welcome.
“However, this year’s less favourable findings on a number of key issues are of concern and serve as a timely reminder of the continual need for public engagement, dialogue, and communication on EU affairs.
Equally, this also highlights the importance of the EU listening to voters’ concerns.”
Source link : https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41390041.html
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Publish date : 2024-05-08 07:00:00
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