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TWO-THIRDS OF people from the Republic of Ireland would like to see a United Ireland in their lifetime, but it’s a different story north of the border.
The results are part of a joint RTÉ-BBC TV production screened this evening that show very similar viewpoints between people in Northern Ireland and the Republic on many issues, except Irish unity.
Compared to 66% in the Republic, 30% of people in Northern Ireland said they wanted a United Ireland in their lifetime. Among those surveyed in Northern Ireland from a Catholic background, 57% answered Yes and 29% answered Don’t know.
In the Republic, the overall support for a reunited Ireland dropped to 31% “if it meant paying more tax”.
People both north and south of the border were less likely to favour reunification in the short to medium term, but it was still the most favoured single option among people in the Republic.
The other three together though, represented a larger proportion favouring Northern Ireland remaining in the United Kingdom in the short to medium term.
Social issues
The Behaviour and Attitudes survey, conducted by face-to-face interviews with over 2,000 people, also looked at a number of social issues.
On abortion, results on both sides of the border were strikingly similar. It found that 22% of respondents in the Republic and 23% in Northern Ireland said abortion should be available in all circumstances.
On the question of whether abortion should be available in some circumstances, 64% in the Republic supported this with a figure of 56% in Northern Ireland.
This week same-sex marriage was again blocked in Northern Ireland, making it the only part of Ireland and Britain where it is outlawed, but tonight’s survey suggests that people in Northern Ireland support the concept.
The DUP MLA Arlene Foster was grilled on this issue by BBC presenter Stephen Nolan, who asked her several times whether she would attend the (hypothetical) same-sex marriage of one of her children.
Despite his efforts, Foster refused to answer in the affirmative or negative.
Tonight’s joint production by RTÉ’s Prime Time and the BBC Nolan Show was conducted as part of RTÉ’s 1916 commemorations.
Those surveyed were asked about 1916 and found that almost three quarters of those surveyed in the Republic believe that the 1916 Leaders played a very or fairly positive role in our history compared to only 25% in Northern Ireland.
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I’m disgusted with Met Eireann , no drizzle warning issued this morning , I went for a walk in the Phoenix Park and wasn’t prepared at all . Now I’m mildly damp . I’m lucky to have survived .
I’m still waiting for that “polar vortex” they promised. My tins of beans are starting to go off.
I have a vacuum cleaner in the house you can have if it’s any help as it’s just gathering dust.
Next we’ll be getting warnings about the warnings. Someone in Met Éireann loves their new toy far too much.
Was thinking same thing. Some one having way too much fun with theses warnings. It will soon be a case of the boy who cried wolf !
Loved the headline, “HISTORIC STORM EXPECTED TO HIT NEW YORK”.
As I said to my missus, “How can it be historic, it hasn’t bloody happened yet”.
“HYSTERIC HEADLINE TO HIT IRELAND” would be a good forcast for this winter. We have had our share.
Weather’s not been bad though.
Let’s cut to the chase. Is it gonna be in Dublin?
Hopefully for you not in Kildare as you won’t be able to find your sheep
Actually more likely to be Horses as there are a large amount of Studs in Kildare….
There mustn’t be too many studs, all the women come up to Dublin.
@Stephen…Are those studs the two legged version or the four legged version?
Hey ewes
Sno snice to snee snow.
3CM …..OMG thats over an inch in fact worse nearly an inch and a quarter rounded up were in for two inches of snow YIPPEE
Unfortunately many industries that rely on accurate weather forecasting don’t use Met Eireann. While I like the idea of having our own forecasting system and enjoy the presenters we need to move on towards a much more accurate and localised weather forecasting service for Western Europe and that is best achieved by integrating our Met Eireann service with the UK and Europe. I know many will not appreciate these thoughts but when vital industries subscribe to international weather services its time to overhaul our own inaccurate service. Btw does anyone know how much Met Eireann costs and how much does it earn from subscribers.
There full of wind.
Where?
Der! Can yew naught sea dem?
Ok….so they’ve given us a snow/weather warning….me thinks I’ll just get my shorts ready…normally opposite happens so I’m expecting a HEATWAVE!!!! Woo hoo. Getting the BBQ out now as I speak!!!
And we will still panic just as much as the ppl of New York! The cheek of us!
If we got what they got in New York we would be talking about it for 50yrs – and at a standstill till next week
3CM versus 3 FEET?
We as a nation can’t cope with snow…
Seems like the amount of snow due for New York was slightly exaggerated but get this. We have just had 4 inches in just 2 hours ! 4 inches of peanuts eaten from the feeder that is, plus a full days ration of sunflower hearts and the fat/seed mixture is getting some welly from the birdies too. Caught two mice in traps last night so they are heading in for a bit of heat too and I guess we are in a little cold spell of our own, never mind NY NY :-)
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