2017 WAS SOME year – packed with highs and lows. But what were the biggest things to happen over the last 12 months?
To find out, research firm Ireland Thinks identified and surveyed Irish people.
We asked them an open-ended question: What did they feel was the ‘biggest thing’ that happened in 2017?
So here follows a countdown of the top 20 ‘biggest things’ that happened, according to a nationally representative survey of 1,144 Irish citizens.
1. Brexit (29.9% of people)
It’s no surprise to see Brexit top of the list – it’s been a year where the British exit from Europe has dominated many headlines. And as the negotiations continue, this won’t be changing anytime soon.
2. Trump’s inauguration and first year in charge (22.1%)
Another one that isn’t surprising – Trump himself dominated the headlines and social media throughout 2017. And when he didn’t like the headlines, he let us know.
3. Homelessness crisis (9.8%)
The level of homelessness in Ireland has been a constant concern this year – and an issue that the Irish government has been much criticised over.
4. Hurricane Ophelia (and US leaving climate change agreement) (6.6%)
The amount of damage Ophelia inflicted on the country was significant – though Met Éireann did warn us we were in for a severe weather event. And on a related topic, the issue of the US leaving the Paris climate change agreement was of much concern to people.
5. Varadkar as Taoiseach (4.9%)
Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach, succeeding Enda Kenny. And after setting up his own communications unit, it was clear that he was going to dominate headlines whenever he could.
6. All Ireland GAA (4.9%)
By far the most popular sporting event according to those surveyed was: Galway winning in the hurling and Mayo losing in football.
7. Debate on abortion (3.8%)
This, of course, was due to the upcoming referendum on the Eighth Amendment set to be held next year, and the meetings of the Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment.
8. Election that wasn’t, Francis Fitzgerald resigning and the Garda controversies (3.0%)
An issue that ran throughout the entire year, starting with the whistleblower scandal. What people remember most is how it ended (or has it really ended?) with the election that wasn’t – and the resignation from Cabinet of Minister Frances Fitzgerald.
9. Terrorist attacks (2.8%)
The London and Manchester bombings featured heavily here, as people remembered these attacks. The shootings in Las Vegas were also remembered.
10. North Korea escalation (2.5%)
The escalation of tensions between North Korea and the USA took a few twists and turns this year, but thankfully didn’t quite reach the conclusion some feared.
11. Fire in Grenfell Tower (1.6%)
The fire in Grenfell Tower due to cladding issues was one of this year’s most shocking news stories.
12. Same-sex marriages taking place (1.1%)
Same-sex marriages are still recognised as being a big event, two years after the referendum.
13. Health crisis (0.9%)
The ongoing health crisis remains in focus for some, particularly the scandals around waiting lists.
14. Tracker mortgages scandal (0.8%)
The tracker mortgages scandal captured lots of people’s attention this year, as bankers were brought before the Department of Finance to explain how it all went wrong.
15. Ireland out of World Cup (0.8%)
Enough said.
Other events mentioned more than once but which didn’t quite make the top 15 include (3.6%):
Other sporting events that were mentioned but didn’t make the top 15 (1.0%):
Dr Kevin Cunningham is a Lecturer at DIT and managing director of Ireland Thinks.
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