The level of trust in the Garda Síochána remains high among the over-50s despite recent reports of wrongdoing in the force, according to a special Irish Times/TNS mrbi opinion poll of the over-50s. Carl O'Brien, Social Affairs Correspondent, reports.
When asked which of six institutions they trust completely, the largest proportion of people cited the Garda (31 per cent), followed by the Catholic Church (26 per cent), the judicial system (15 per cent), the press and media (9 per cent), banking industry (7 per cent) and politicians in Dáil Éireann (6 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 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 they completely trust the Catholic Church, compared to 41 per cent among the 70-plus age group.
The poll, commissioned by The Irish Times to provide an insight into the attitudes of its fastest-growing demographic sector - the over-50s - was taken last month among a national quota sample of 1,000 people at 100 sampling points in the State.
It was conducted between August 1st and 21st. The latest report of the Morris tribunal, highlighting further alleged wrongdoing in the force, was published on the 17th of August.
The results also show that a decline in moral standards is one of the most significant changes to have happened in Irish society during the lifetime of respondents.
This change topped the list, tied with an increase in crime (13 per cent), followed by people becoming better off (12 per cent), too much immigration (10 per cent), decline in the Catholic Church (9 per cent), people with too much money (8 per cent), improved technology (8 per cent), better quality of life (6 per cent) and higher cost of living (6 per cent).
The poll results reveal considerable differences in outlook on various changes to society depending on the age of respondents. Immigration appears a matter of more concern for younger respondents. The highest proportion of people who feel there is too much immigration are in the 50-54 age group (16 per cent), while the lowest proportion is among the over-70s (6 per cent).
Older people are more likely to be positive about the effects of wealth on society. While 2 per cent of the 50-54 age group say there has been an improvement in people's quality of life, this rises to 8 per cent among the 65-69 age group.