Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Alexandru Nika
ge2020

Exit poll shows support for Irish unity referendum, especially among 18-24 age group

The highest level of support came from the youngest cohort of voters.

YESTERDAY’S GENERAL ELECTION exit poll gives an indication of how voters feel about a border poll – with over half of those asked saying they support one.

Yesterday, Ipsos MRBI interviewed 5,376 people at 259 count centres across Ireland immediately after they voted, for a poll commissioned by RTÉ, the Irish Times TG4 and UCD.

As part of the poll, a base of 1,000 people were asked the following question:

Do you think there should be referendums north and south in the next five years on Irish unity, or not?

A total of 57% said yes; 40% said no; 3% had no response.

The youngest age group polled showed the most support for a border poll:

  • 18 – 24: 75% said yes 
  • 25 – 34: 60% said yes
  • 35 – 49: 62% said yes
  • 50 – 64: 54% said yes
  • 65+: 47% said yes

Broken down by party support, Sinn Féin supporters (those who gave first preference to the party) showed 81% support for a border poll, followed by Solidarity-PBP and Aontú supporters on 80%. A total of 52% of Fianna Fáil voters were in favour, and 44% of Fine Gael voters.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has previously said he’d like to see a United Ireland in his lifetime, while a recent poll from Amárach/Claire Byrne Live suggested that 51% of people in the Republic of Ireland wanted to see a unity referendum in the next five years.

You can stay up to date with all the latest news about the general election results in our liveblog.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
30
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel