Majority sees Europe as ‘more important’ to State than UK

Two thirds of Irish people believe Europe is more important to Ireland than the UK, according to a post-Brexit poll.

The first national poll of Irish sentiment on the UK’s EU referendum result shows 62 per cent of those polled feel Europe is more important to Ireland than the UK, while a large majority are against Border controls between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The poll, commissioned by public relations firm PR360, measured Brexit sentiment among a representative sample of 1,000 people living in Ireland and was undertaken on Wednesday by Amárach Research.

When asked what impact Brexit would have on the Irish economy, 56 per cent said it would have a negative effect.

Thirty per cent believe Brexit is an opportunity for Ireland, with 45 per cent seeing it as a threat. Eighty-six per cent are against the introduction of Border controls between North and South.

Around one third (36 per cent) of those polled said they are more likely to shop across the Border or in the UK, with 60 per cent saying it makes no difference to their shopping habits.

A third believe a UK exit from the EU makes a united Ireland more likely, 14 per cent less likely, with 39 per cent saying it would make no difference.

Irish attitudes towards Europe were notably positive; if a referendum on EU membership were held in Ireland, 80 per cent would vote remain, 13 per cent would vote leave while 7 per cent were unsure.

Variance

Similar to the UK, there is a notable variance in attitudes between younger and older people, with 18-24-year-olds more pro-European than those over 55.

When asked which is more important to Ireland, Europe or the UK, 62 per cent said Europe, 25 per cent the UK, with 13 per cent undecided.

PR360 managing director Dan Pender said the two most striking indicators from the poll were “economic nervousness and pro-European sentiment.”

“Over half of those polled believing the result will have a negative economic impact. Over one-third said they are more likely to shop across the Border post-Brexit. This suggests an uncertain period, which is never good for business. It will be interesting to track consumer behaviour, company performances and Exchequer returns over the second half of the year,” said Mr Pender.

Mr Pender said the poll showed Irish people were keen to remain a part of the EU.

“This pro-European sentiment may be in part attributable to the sharp refocus on the benefits of EU membership in the immediate aftermath of the referendum result,” he said.

Mr Pender said the 62 per cent of those polled who see the EU, not the UK as more important to Ireland was a cause of concern for businesses.

“This finding will likely cause concern for many businesses and suggests a potential disconnect in understanding of these trading links amongst the general public, particularly when you consider that over €1 billion is traded each week between Ireland and the UK,” he said.