Irish support for EU security policy down - poll

The war in Kosovo has led in the Republic to a small but significant decline in support for a common European security and defence policy, the latest Eurobarometer poll has found.

The poll also reflects a 4 per cent decline in support for the euro in Ireland, down to 71 per cent (EU 61 per cent, down 3).

However, support for EU membership is still highest in Ireland among the members-states at 78 per cent, down 1 per cent in the last six months.

At a time when the Government is moving to greater involvement in European defence structures, specifically Partnership for Peace, the decline of 4 per cent in six months to 50 per cent will be of concern. At an overall EU level the poll shows a similar decline to 71 per cent.

However, the survey again shows up some of the contradictions in Irish attitudes to defence issues.

While the Republic shares with fellow neutrals, Finland and Austria, the lowest levels of support for a common security and defence policy, 90 per cent of Irish respondents say they believe maintaining peace and stability in Europe should be an EU priority.

The poll, conducted in the spring, clearly reflects the drama of the departure of the European Commission, with an increase of 10 per cent in Ireland in the numbers who view reform of the EU's institutions as a priority.

Enthusiasm for the European Union is still matched, however, by a high perception of detachment from it: asked how they rate their attachment to different communities of which they are part, 62 per cent of Irish respondents said they were very attached to their town/village, 57 per cent to their region, 67 per cent to their country, and only 21 per cent to Europe.

By contrast, at EU level a significantly lower 52 per cent are very attached to their country, with 18 per cent very attached to Europe.

Voting intentions in the European elections were not matched by reality. While 67 per cent of EU respondents said they intended to vote, only 49 per cent actually did so (Ireland 72 per cent to 55 per cent).

But, asked why they were not intending to vote, most Irish No respondents cited among several reasons lack of knowledge (63 per cent) and lack of interest (59 per cent).

Significantly, only 14 per cent said they were not going to vote because they were against the EU per se (EU, 11 per cent). In responses to questions about violence against children, Ireland (70 per cent) reflected lower than average perceptions (EU, 77 per cent) that abuse is very or fairly common in Ireland, with Italy, Belgium, Holland and France all registering above 85 per cent about their respective situations.

On violence against women, 77 per cent of Irish respondents say it is very or fairly common (EU, 74 per cent) in their State, with Denmark again scoring best (47 per cent), Spain (82 per cent) and Italy (81 per cent) worst. The survey finds that Irish people are below average in terms of access to the Internet, but improving steadily (12 per cent, up 4 per cent on the previous year).

In Sweden, 55 per cent of respondents have access to the Net, up 16 per cent in a year, while Denmark (44 per cent, up 9) and Finland (37 per cent, up 6) are extending their lead. In Greece only 5 per cent have access.