New survey shows need for cross-border understanding

A new survey has shown that only one in four people living in the republic say they have a good knowledge of unionist tradition in the north.

The survey, run by Co-Operation Ireland, shows that only 27% of people south of the border claim to have a good or excellent understanding of unionist culture and tradition, although 48% do want to learn more.

In the north, 19% of Protestants feel they have a good or excellent understanding of culture and traditions here.

32% of northern Catholics believe that respect between the two communities has increased, while the figure for Protestants is just 23%.

In response to the findings, Co-Operation Ireland said it was now up to the Government to build on the willingness of people in the Republic to learn about other traditions.