Only 46% think religion is good for the country

Fewer than half the public believe religion is a good thing for the country, with younger people in particular failing to be impressed.

The finding, from an international survey, shows just 46% of Irish people believe religion plays a positive role in the country compared with a global figure of 59%.

However, religion is held in higher regard here than among our near neighbours, as just 36% of respondents in Western Europe agreed that religion had a positive role to play.