IF IRISH PEOPLE lived in the UK and had a vote in the upcoming Brexit referendum, 78% would vote to stay within the EU.

An opinion poll also found that 74% of Irish people think a Brexit would negatively impact Ireland’s economy.

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Ignite Research, which carried out the poll of 1,000 adults nationwide, noted: “The sense of national UK identity and Leave side arguments” are less significant to Irish people.

However, they also asked respondents if they would we feel differently if Ireland were to have a similar in-out referendum about our membership of the EU.

“We have had mixed experiences of the EU, from being net positive benefactors of many EU grant schemes, to being arguably forced to take on larger levels of fiscal austerity than we would otherwise have chosen if left to our own devices,” a statement from the company read.

Bob Geldof on board a boat taking part in a pro-EU counter demonstration, as a Fishing for Leave pro-Brexit flotilla makes its way along the River Thames in London. John Stillwell / PA Wire/Press Association Images John Stillwell / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images

One in three (36%) Irish adults said they would like an in-out EU referendum to be held here. If such a referendum took place, 76% would vote for Ireland to remain part of the EU.

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Breakdown

Women were slightly more in favour of Britain staying in the EU – with 82% backing this, compared to 74% of men.

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The age groups most in favour of Britain staying in the EU were those over the age of 55 (84%) and people aged 18-24 (82%).

A referendum in the UK will be held this Thursday, 23 June.

The poll’s full findings can be found here.

Breakdown of ABC1/C2DE demographics.

Read: Bob Geldof and his ‘we’re going to need a bigger boat’ battle with Brexit

Read: David Cameron says Brexit means either a border with the North or passport checks in Belfast