North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the results of this year’s European Movement Ireland’s poll on Ireland’s outlook of the European Union. The poll shows a further increase in support for Ireland’s membership of the EU to 93%, with support among people ages 18-24 at 96%. Support Ireland leaving the EU stands at just 5%.
“15 years ago this month we saw the largest expansion of the EU in its history, when 10 countries joined the EU at a ceremony in Dublin. Since then Irish people’s favourable opinions of the EU have grown stronger. The results of this poll show that we can be both Irish and European, which I completely agree with,” Cllr. O’Shea said.
1,000 people aged 18 and over across the country were surveyed. Support for Ireland remaining an EU member rose above 90% for the first-time last year, to 92%, and the further increase this year, Cllr. O’Shea said, shows that the Irish public remain overwhelmingly in favour of its EU membership.
Cllr. O’Shea’s colleague, Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD, said the poll’s results “show that being a part of Europe is not only a positive force in people’s lives but it is our best insurance mechanism against the major challenges facing us, including Brexit where solidarity from member states has been steadfast”.
Minister McEntee added: “Today’s news from European Movement Ireland is very welcome and once again shows the high levels of support Irish people have for the European Union. This is a timely report just three weeks ahead of the European Elections. I am pleased to see from the report that 83% of people polled have indicated that they intend to vote in those elections.
“However, I am concerned that just 56% of people aged under 25 have said they intend to vote. Especially considering the positive impact that age cohort have played in recent referendums. I am encouraging all young people to engage with these elections and turn out and vote on May 24th. This is your future, so be sure to get involved.
“The Irish Government will continue to work with our EU colleagues on the issue of Brexit over the coming weeks to ensure the best outcome for the people of Ireland. I am also very keen to pursue more direct engagement with citizens on Europe’s issues. In this regard communication is key,” said Minister McEntee.
