Global InformationEuroscepticism in the Republic of Ireland information
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Euroscepticism is a minority view in Ireland. Opinion polls held in the country between 2017 and 2024 indicated between 70% and 90% support for continued membership of the European Union (EU),[1][2] and a 2021 'Eurobarometer' report indicating that 75% of poll respondents had a "positive image of the EU".[3]
Irish Eurosceptics say that the EU undermines Irish sovereignty, that it lacks democratic legitimacy, it is neoliberal and works for the benefit of the business elite and it is a threat to Irish neutrality.[4]
Some Irish Eurosceptics oppose elements of the EU and its policies and seek reform, while others seek an Irish withdrawal from the EU altogether.[4] This proposed withdrawal is sometimes referred to as "Irexit", based on "Brexit", the common term for the British withdrawal from the EU.[5][6][7]
Euroscepticism in Ireland is traditionally found in more left-wing and Irish republican groups. The biggest of these have been Sinn Féin and People Before Profit–Solidarity,[8][9][10] who each have members in elected office. Sinn Féin long opposed European integration,[4] but now describes itself as "critical, but supportive, of the EU" and does not advocate withdrawal from the Union.[11][12] The Green Party have also shifted from being Eurosceptic to pro-EU.[4] More recently, small right-wing Eurosceptic parties have formed in Ireland, but they lack representation in any elected positions.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
irishtimes2017was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Nearly nine in ten back Ireland's EU membership, but support for joint defence less certain". thejournal.ie. Journal Media Ltd. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
- ^ "European Commission Representation presents the 2021 Eurobarometer Report for Ireland". European Commission. 12 May 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ a b c d Laffan, Brigid; O'Mahony, Jane (2008). Ireland and the European Union. Macmillan. pp. 87–88. ISBN 9781403949288.
- ^ "Are we heading for an "Irexit"? German business leaders haven't ruled it out..." newstalk.com.
- ^ Cliff Taylor. "Who fears to speak of Irexit?". The Irish Times.
- ^ "Eurosceptics are salivating at the idea of 'Irexit' after Apple's shock €13 billion EU-Ireland tax bill". Business Insider.
- ^ "Euroscepticism without politicisation: the case of Ireland during the financial crisis". ucc.ie.
- ^ "LEXIT: WHY WE NEED A LEFT EXIT FROM EU". peoplebeforeprofit.ie. 18 May 2016. Archived from the original on 21 May 2016.
- ^ "Paul Murphy calls for Brexit despite 'racist' opinions of Leave campaigners". Newstalk. 22 June 2016.
- ^ "Sinn Fein adopt 'Team Ireland' approach in Europe". Irish Examiner. 24 July 2014.
Once seen as being firmly in the eurosceptic camp, Sinn Féin now describes itself as being critical, but supportive, of the EU [..] "We are euro-critical and we have nothing in common with Ukip," said [Sinn Féin MEP Lynn] Boylan
- ^ "Irexit: Could it be Ireland's next big political movement?". Irish Times. 9 February 2018.