Politicians in Dáil Éireann are one of the least trusted institutions in the State, a special Irish Times/TNSmrbi opinion poll of the over-50s suggests. Carl O'Brien, Social Affairs Correspondent, reports
When asked which of six institutions they trust or distrust, the largest proportion of people say they distrust TDs (19 per cent), followed by the banking industry (13 per cent), press, radio and TV journalists (9 per cent), judicial system (6 per cent), Catholic Church (5 per cent) and Garda Síochána (4 per cent). In general, the level of trust among over-50s in all institutions increases with age.
For example, while 23 per cent of the 50-54 age group say that they completely trust the Garda Síochána, this rises to 44 per cent among the 70-plus age group.
Similarly, 12 per cent of the 50-54 age group say that they completely trust the Catholic Church, compared to 41 per cent among the 70-plus age group.
As expected, the level of complete distrust was generally highest among the 50-54 age group. A total of 22 per cent of the 50-54 age group completely distrusted politicians, compared to 16 per cent among the over-70s.
The poll, commissioned by The Irish Times to provide an insight into the attitudes of the fastest-growing demographic - the over-50s - was taken last month among a national quota sample of 1,000 people at 100 sampling points throughout the State.
The survey was conducted between August 1st and 21st.
The latest report of the Morris tribunal, highlighting further alleged wrongdoing in the force, was published on August 17th.
The poll results also show that men are less likely to completely trust an institution compared to women, but more likely to completely distrust an institution.
A total of 21 per cent of men said that they completely trusted the Catholic Church, for example, compared to 30 per cent of women.
However, the level of absolute trust among males and females was equal in categories such as the judiciary and the media.
Among socio-economic groups, the level of trust in institutions remained relatively consistent, with the exception of the Catholic Church.
A total of 21 per cent of people in the better-off ABC1 group said that they completely trusted the Catholic Church. This increased to 27 per cent among the less-well-off C2DE group and to 39 per cent among the F group.