Trust levels are on the rise.... even in politicians

Trust in the key institutions such as government, media, business, and NGOs is on the rise — as the country prepares to go to the polls at the end of the month.

According to the 2016 Edelman Trust Barometer, 41% of people now trust these institutions — up from 32% in 2015.

NGOs remain the most trusted institution, seeing the sharpest increase of all sectors — from 37% to 49% — while the system of government remains the least trusted at 32%.

However, levels of trust in government have risen 10% since 2015 — the second highest rise of all institutions.

Politicians are among the least trusted people on social media at just 26%. However, this is up from 17% in 2015.

Beyond the general election, just over half said they feel they will be “better off” financially in the next five years.

Three quarters said that Britain voting to leave the EU would have a negative impact on Ireland.

Just over a third said that Britain remaining in the EU would positively benefit Ireland in terms of continued trade, EU stability, and the protection of open borders.

Managing director of Edelman Joe Carmody said the latest results showed the biggest increase in trust by the Irish public in five years.

“In just one year, Ireland has risen six places from the bottom of the rankings in our global survey. While we remain in the category of distrusting nations globally, this is the biggest leap in five years and could be attributed to both improving economic conditions and a growing culture of transparency among the key institutions.”

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