Dublin: Following in the footsteps of France, Italy, Hungary, and the Netherlands, there are emerging indications that the people of Ireland might take a public stance against immigration, as suggested by recent opinion polls.
The Irish public seems increasingly reluctant to accept illegal immigrants, even with promises of prosperity through the policies of political parties such as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Political leaders, including the ruling Green Party and opposition parties Sinn Féin, Labour, People Before Profit, and Social Democrats, are openly endorsing policies that involve illegal immigration.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin welcomes the arrival of refugees, highlighting the benefits of ‘economic migration’ to Ireland. However, even far-right groups, typically anti-immigration, distinguish between economic migration and what they perceive as an organised political or religious invasion. While the Irish populace is generally averse to extremist views, more than 30% of the population indicates potential support for anti-immigration parties in upcoming elections.
The latest Ireland Thinks opinion poll reveals that a considerable percentage of Irish citizens express concern about immigration, with over a third leaning towards anti-immigration parties. The poll indicates growing support for anti-immigration sentiments among members and supporters of major political parties.
Three-quarters of independent candidate supporters express openness to voting for a strongly anti-immigrant party or candidate, closely trailing the 79% supporting Aontú. Even within mainstream parties, a significant portion shows anti-immigrant sentiment, with 36% of Sinn Féin members holding such views.
Breaking down party lines, the poll reports 27% of Fianna Fáil members, 18% of Social Democrats supporters, 16% of Fine Gael supporters, 7% of Solidarity-People Before Profit supporters, and 6% of Labour supporters expressing anti-immigrant sentiments.
The poll indicates that a third of the population is anti-immigrant, with 35% stating they would consider voting for a party or candidate with a strong anti-immigrant stance, marking a seven-point increase from the previous month and a substantial shift over the past two years.
Falling slightly, Fine Gael’s popular support is at 19%, while Fianna Fáil’s support remains at 17%. Notably, support for independents has risen to 18%, a seven-point increase since November.
Despite Sinn Féin’s historic victory in Northern Ireland, the party experiences a slight one-point drop in popular support. The Social Democrats (5%), Labour (4%), Greens (3%), Solidarity-People Before Profit (3%), and Aontú (3%) maintain consistent levels of support.
Immigration has become the second-most important priority for voters, with 33% indicating concern, an 8-point increase. However, housing remains the primary concern for 50% of people, albeit a 3% decrease from the previous polling period.
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