Poll shows strength of Irish opposition to Brexit

With less than a month to go before the United Kingdom's referendum on whether it should remain in the EU, a new poll has shown that more than four out of every five Irish people are opposed to a 'Brexit'.

The nationwide Red C poll, commissioned by European Movement Ireland, shows increasing support for the EU among Irish people.

It suggests that an increasing number – 81 per cent - of the Irish population believes that Ireland should remain as part of the EU, regardless of the UK’s position.

For the first time in a poll, Irish people were asked if they think the UK should remain in the EU, with more than 4 out of 5 (86 per cent) of those polled saying that the UK should stay.

According to the Red C poll commissioned by independent, not-for profit organisation, European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland), 90 per cent of respondents believe Ireland should remain part of the EU, with 87 per cent of adults here believing that Ireland has, on balance, benefited from membership of the EU.

These figures are higher than those in a similar polls carried out in 2013, when 83 per cent agreed that Ireland had benefited and in 2015, when 84 per cent agreed.

Results from this poll which was carried out among 1,015 people between 9 and 11 May, 2016, show that:

* 90% of Irish people want Ireland to remain in the EU; for young people this is 94%, up from 85% in 2015. Support for EU membership is highest in Connacht Ulster at 96%;

* 87% of people believe Ireland has, on balance, benefited from membership of the EU. This increases to 91% for those aged 24 years and under and was again highest in Connacht Ulster at 91%;

* 81% want Ireland to remain in the EU, even if the UK leaves the Union; This rose to 84% in Dublin;

* 86% of Irish people think the UK should remain in the EU, rising to 92% for young people;

* When asked if they are aware that the EU will abolish mobile ‘phone roaming charges by 15 June 2017, 92% are aware, with the lowest levels of awareness among young people, at 82% and Farmers at 79%. Those living in Munster are most aware of this at 94%.

European Movement Ireland commissioned Red C to carry out this poll one year from the last such poll and ahead of the forthcoming UK referendum, in order to ascertain Irish people’s views on a variety of different topics related to Irish-EU relations.