Fall in support for EU enlargement

IRELAND’S support for EU enlargement has fallen to its lowest level, according to the latest survey.

There has been a drop too in support for a constitution although the Eurobarometer poll, which gauges public opinion on the union, found Ireland was the most positive country in supporting the EU, perceived benefits of membership and its positive image.

The twice-yearly poll is a warning to Irish politicians that the public’s attitude to the EU cannot be taken for granted, according to an expert.

Dr Fiachra Kennedy, of the UCD Geary Institute, who carried out the Irish part of the EU-wide survey, said: “People are committed to Ireland’s membership but are somewhat cautious about the more far-reaching aspects of integration, such as political union and the constitution.”

Ireland’s support for the EU taking in new members stands just at 45% which is the average for the union. This is down from 54% six months ago — one of the biggest drops in support in the EU25.

This is just one point ahead of Britain at 44%. The most supportive generally are the new member states, with Slovenia at 73%, while Austria with its traditional fear of Turkey is bottom of the list at 27%.

Irish support for the constitution has fallen also from 58% six months ago to 56%, which is lower than the EU average of 61%. This is bad news for the Government which is still facing a referendum when and if the union agrees to move ahead with the constitution.

Outright opposition is at just 12% with over a third saying they don’t know, suggesting there is a big job of educating the electorate before any vote.

However, support is a little higher than a year ago just before the French and Dutch rejection of the Treaty when it was 54%.

But fewer Irish than French or Dutch support the constitution, which both countries voted against just over a year ago. In these countries support stands at 62% and 59% respectively.

Overall support has dropped slightly (61%, down 2%), to the level in spring 2005. Some 22% of citizens are opposed to it and 17% do not know.

Director of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, Martin Territt, said: “These results highlight the need for a sustained effort to inform Irish people about the EU.”