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.