Single men happiest in the land, says poll
Single and middle-aged men are the happiest in Ireland, a new survey claimed today.
Researchers found levels of contentment increased on both sides of the Irish border between 2001 and 2004 but women remain more satisfied with their lot.
A Mintel Ireland spokesman said: “The report found that those men who have the least amount responsibility are the happiest and there is a reluctance amongst young men in Northern Ireland to change their status quo.”
The team examined the attitudes of men to work, their family, their lifestyle choices and women.
Among the key findings were:
:: The average age of marriage is increasing year on year as men choose to stay single for longer.
:: The average age of men who tie the knot in the North is 32 and in the Republic 34.
:: 60% of 20-25s in Northern Ireland and 65% in the Irish Republic live at home with their parents due to soaring property prices.
:: One in five men are willing to sacrifice time with their families in order to get ahead in the workplace.
:: Over 55s were found to be happier as their mortgage payments had ceased and their incomes were at their highest.
On the issue of responsibility, a Mintel spokesman said: “The average age of marriage is increasing year on year as men and women actively choose to stay single for longer.
“This delay in taking on particular responsibilities allows men to spend more money and time on their own leisure habits and the more comfortable they are with their independent cash rich lifestyle the less likely they are to want to change until they are absolutely ready.”
The report said there are 2.88 million men in Ireland – 0.84 million in Northern Ireland and 2.04 million in the Republic – which amounts to 49% of the population.
