Irish ‘most optimistic over future of the EU’

The role played by European institutions in imposing years of austerity on the country has done little to dampen sentiment towards the EU, if a new survey is to be believed.

Despite the remnants of the financial crisis being dragged back into the spotlight in recent days thanks to the Oireachtas banking inquiry — and the ECB’s ongoing refusal to attend — the Irish increasingly believe in the EU and its institutions.

The European Commission’s Eurobarometer survey shows the people of Ireland are more optimistic about the future of the EU than any other nation.