British-Irish relations better than ever, says survey

A report has found that the Irish and British people have moved closer than ever.

Ireland's role in international politics and a greater familiarity of life in the UK have led to the improvement in relations.

1,200 people were surveyed across the Republic and three quarters had a positive attitude towards Britain, despite old animosities between the two countries.

The British Council in Ireland helped commission the report.

Director Tony Reilly, believes there is a healthy relationship. Mr Reilly said: “We are very close neighbourly countries but inevitably there will be conflicts that come to the fore, when they do come to the fore the issues may reflect some of the fault lines and the history.”