Unemployment a key concern for voters in European elections

The country’s unemployment crisis will be the top issue for voters in the upcoming European election campaign, it was revealed tonight.

Unemployment a key concern for voters in European elections

The country’s unemployment crisis will be the top issue for voters in the upcoming European election campaign, it was revealed tonight.

A European-wide poll found the Irish were the second most interested in the June EU elections, behind Greece.

Economic growth and crime are the top concerns of Irish voters, with 84% of people saying unemployment would prove to be a key election theme.

Ireland’s unemployment rate stands at a staggering 11%, with economists predicting that could rise as high as almost 15% next year.

The Eurobarometer revealed 61% of voters said they were interested in the election, compared with the EU average of 44%.

Some 45% said they would definitely or are very likely to cast their ballot - 11% higher than the average.

Less than a quarter of Irish people feel the country should adopt its own measures to tackle the economic crisis, with 46% backing a co-ordinated European-wide approach.

Yet 30% of people do not know if such a move would work.

The European elections will be held on June 5.

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