Meet the Irish who voted for Brexit

Top stories from Irish Times Abroad this week


With less than three weeks to go until Britain is due to exit the European Union, it is a time of uncertainty for the almost 400,000 Irish-born people now living there. In our long read this week, with data graphics and first-person stories, we take an in-depth look at the Irish in Britain in 2019.Who are they? What are their key concerns around Brexit? And could this mark a turning point of sorts for the largest Irish-born community outside of Ireland?

Our focus on the Irish in Britain continues as Brexit draws nearer. Ellen O'Riordan and Shane Hickey meet the Irish in Britain who voted Leave, while Irishwoman Carol Jordan, head of planning with ITV News, tells us about trying to plan Brexit coverage and giving all sides a voice: "I really think being Irish helps. Not being from the UK gives me a more objective view."

While there's no doubt that ease of movement around Europe after Brexit is a primary motivator for many of those who are applying for Irish passports and citizenship in Britain, for others, the reasons run deeper. We speak to a few people who have been through the "emotional" process, including Sean Sorohan in London: "I get a thrill pulling out the Irish passport - my whole life I've been telling people I'm Irish with my London accent and now I've got the paper to prove it!"

For International Women's Day last Friday, 10 amazing Irish women working with women around the world - from sex education programmes to business networks and STEM mentoring initiatives - shared their experiences.

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You'll find plenty more stories by and about the Irish diaspora this week on irishtimes.com/abroad.

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