Research conducted by the European Commission indicates that issues related to rising prices and living costs are pivotal in shaping Irish voters’ decisions, with 56% prioritizing these concerns over their EU counterparts, where only 42% felt the same. Housing followed as a crucial concern, highlighted by 44% of respondents, starkly contrasting with just 10% across the EU. Migration also emerged as a key issue for 39% of Irish voters, significantly outpacing the EU average by double digits.
The Eurobarometer poll not only gauged voter priorities but also turnout rates, revealing that 51% of Irish voters participated in the European Parliament elections. This figure matches the average across all 27 EU member states, positioning Ireland as joint 11th in voter engagement. While Belgium boasted the highest turnout at 89%, challenges like hectic schedules led 22% of Irish non-voters to refrain from participating, highlighting a broader disinterest in politics reflected in the 16% who cited apathy.
In a testament to the perceived advantages of EU membership, a substantial 50% of Irish respondents acknowledged the EU's role in economic growth, while 39% credited it with enhancing living standards. Furthermore, 71% of Irish voters expressed a positive view towards the EU, signifying robust national support that notably surpasses the EU average of 48%. This sentiment extends to EU institutions themselves, as 63% of Irish participants indicated they hold favorable opinions of the European Parliament.
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