Report: Irish eyes see UK in favourable light

British and Irish relations have never been so good, despite gripes about English football fans, superior attitudes and programmes such as Big Brother, according to research published today.

Familiarity with the UK through direct contact with friends and relatives, coupled with a sense of shared culture and interests, has led the vast majority of the Irish people to feel increased warmth towards our neighbours across the water.

Through Irish Eyes, a new report based on extensive research commissioned by the British Council of Ireland and the British Embassy in Dublin, suggests relations have noticeably improved in recent years.

According to the report, mention of Scotland and Wales induces a warm glow of Celtic solidarity, although responses to Northern Ireland are less straightforward.

Almost 80% of the people surveyed describe their attitude towards the UK as favourable, the report claims.

Comparisons with positive attitudes towards other countries confirms that relations between the UK and Ireland are tighter than ever.

Of those with less romantic notions, 20% cited historical reasons and 18% chose the UK’s "superior attitude" as their main frustrations.

Sellafield and Margaret Thatcher also still count against the UK’s image in Ireland, the report found.

Despite Ireland’s engagement with the EU, Through Irish Eyes suggests the Irish people still view themselves as closer to Boston than Berlin.

Almost 70% of those interviewed are in favour of the concept of a united Ireland but only 36% believe this will be achieved.

Tony Reilly, Director of the British Council Ireland said the report was intended to sharpen understanding of UK/Ireland relations and to stimulate fresh debate about the relationship between the two countries.

Stewart Eldon, British Ambassador to Ireland, added: “Because the relationship is so important to us, it is vital that we know what people think and feel about us, and, perhaps more importantly, to know why they hold that view.”

Three panels, chaired by former Taoiseach Garrett Fitzgerald, former Irish Ambassador to the United Nations and the UK, Noel Dorr, and broadcaster Olivia O’Leary, will discuss the report’s findings today.

One will look at attitudes towards both Irish and British relationships with the rest of Europe and the USA.

Another will discuss the effects of the peace process in Northern Ireland on UK/Irish relations.

The third will pose questions around the love/hate relationship with UK sport, attitudes towards and engagement with the UK media, arts and science.

The report was complied from research conducted between June and September last year.

Various research groups were held across the country, 400 people were interviewed and 1,200 surveyed.