FARMING POLL 2015 - DATA: Farmers believe Ireland is ready for a gay taoiseach

Ireland is ready for a gay taoiseach, according to an Irish Examiner/ICMSA national opinion poll of farmers.

In the survey of farming households, 45% of respondents said the country was now ready for its first gay taoiseach, with 20% saying they are strongly in favour. However, more than one in three (36%) strongly disagreed with the statement.

The poll appears to indicate a growing liberal view towards social issues among the farming community, and especially among younger farmers — although the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) said the result should not come as a surprise.