'Majority in favour of united Ireland'
The majority of Irish people are in favour of a united Ireland, according to new poll released today.
A survey has revealed almost four out of five voters want to see the country as one, with almost a quarter (22%) believing that achieving a united Ireland should be the Government’s first priority.
But more than half of those questioned (55%) think other matters should be dealt with first.
Only 10% of voters say no efforts should be made to bring about a united Ireland, with 13% having no interest one way or the other.
Attitudes towards a united Ireland were found to be remarkably consistent across all age brackets and regions, with the exception of Dublin where fewer people think it should be the government’s first priority.
The Sunday Business Post/Red C opinion poll was carried out among more than 1,000 voters between March 20-22 in conjunction with the tracking poll of political support. It shows that these proportions are broadly reflected in attitudes among Irish people to the 1916 Rising, the 90th anniversary of which will be commemorated shortly.
It also found 80% of those in favour of Irish unity believe that the 1916 Rising was "a positive event" in Irish history and 71% believe Ireland "owes a debt to the leaders of the 1916 Rising".
Just half of voters felt the Government’s plans for a military parade are appropriate with one fifth declaring they "couldn’t care less" about the Rising.
