|
|
Northern Ireland tends to be far from the mind of the average mainland Brit. When it does gain public attention, it’s often for the wrong reasons. In recent years fate has made it a prominent part of the Brexit saga.
Now new YouGov polling exposes the extent of the weaknesses in the link between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
When asked how much they care about what happens in Northern Ireland, four in ten mainland Brits (41%) say they don’t care very much or at all.
Given this fact, it is no surprise to see that an identical figure of 41% say they wouldn’t be bothered if Northern Ireland left the UK. A further 41% would be upset if it broke away, while only a minority of 9% would be actively be pleased to see them go.
When asked what they want to happen with Northern Ireland, again around four in ten (43%) don’t have a strong view, saying that it is ultimately up to the Northern Irish. A further third (35%) want Northern Ireland to remain in the UK, while 15% think it should join together with the rest of Ireland.
As with so much, however, Brexit takes precedent. Given the choice between having their preferred outcome on Brexit and Northern Ireland staying in the Union, a majority of 58% chose the former and only 18% the latter.