Menu
06/06/2013
Union Support Drops
The proportion of people who wish for Northern Ireland to remain in the UK has dropped from 72% to 63% since 2010.
The figure is the lowest since devolution in 2007, especially among Catholics.
This was one of the findings of the 2012 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT) published today.
The annual survey is conducted by ARK at the University of Ulster and QUB.
Despite the headline finding, the survey also found that the percentage of people who believe a united Ireland is 'very unlikely' has risen to 41%.
The proportion of Catholics expecting Irish unity remains less than among Protestants.
And yet, the number of people describing their national identity as Irish has risen from 26% in 2010 to 32% in 2012.
This has been marked by a fall in the proportion describing themselves as Northern Irish, from an historic high of 29% in 2010 to 22% in 2012
The number of Protestants calling themselves British has risen from 60% to 68%, while the proportion of Catholics calling themselves Northern Irish fell from 26% to 17%.
60% of Protestants described themselves as unionist and 49% of Catholics describe themselves as nationalist.
The proportion describing themselves as neither nationalist nor unionist rose to 47%, reflecting an increase amongst both groups.
The percentage of respondents thinking it either 'very likely' or 'quite likely' that there will be a united Ireland has fallen from 29% in 2003 to 15% in 2012
Dr Duncan Morrow of the University of Ulster said: "These results confirm that that the hybrid nature of Northern Ireland as a shared space sharply and persistently divided over questions of national identity is unchanged.
"However, this does not translate into a similar division over constitutional status, where there is little evidence of any strong desire for Irish unity at present.
"At the same time, there is evidence that events over many years have caused a significant rise in the proportion of people describing themselves as neither nationalist nor unionist among both Catholics and Protestants and a measurable alienation from the United Kingdom among Catholics in 2012."
Professor Rick Wilford of QUB added: "Without further data, it is impossible to definitively diagnose the underlying dynamics.
"However it appears that recent political events in Northern Ireland may have alienated some Catholics from emergent preference for the United Kingdom without yet persuading many that a United Ireland provides a desirable destination."
(IT/MH)
The figure is the lowest since devolution in 2007, especially among Catholics.
This was one of the findings of the 2012 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT) published today.
The annual survey is conducted by ARK at the University of Ulster and QUB.
Despite the headline finding, the survey also found that the percentage of people who believe a united Ireland is 'very unlikely' has risen to 41%.
The proportion of Catholics expecting Irish unity remains less than among Protestants.
And yet, the number of people describing their national identity as Irish has risen from 26% in 2010 to 32% in 2012.
This has been marked by a fall in the proportion describing themselves as Northern Irish, from an historic high of 29% in 2010 to 22% in 2012
The number of Protestants calling themselves British has risen from 60% to 68%, while the proportion of Catholics calling themselves Northern Irish fell from 26% to 17%.
60% of Protestants described themselves as unionist and 49% of Catholics describe themselves as nationalist.
The proportion describing themselves as neither nationalist nor unionist rose to 47%, reflecting an increase amongst both groups.
The percentage of respondents thinking it either 'very likely' or 'quite likely' that there will be a united Ireland has fallen from 29% in 2003 to 15% in 2012
Dr Duncan Morrow of the University of Ulster said: "These results confirm that that the hybrid nature of Northern Ireland as a shared space sharply and persistently divided over questions of national identity is unchanged.
"However, this does not translate into a similar division over constitutional status, where there is little evidence of any strong desire for Irish unity at present.
"At the same time, there is evidence that events over many years have caused a significant rise in the proportion of people describing themselves as neither nationalist nor unionist among both Catholics and Protestants and a measurable alienation from the United Kingdom among Catholics in 2012."
Professor Rick Wilford of QUB added: "Without further data, it is impossible to definitively diagnose the underlying dynamics.
"However it appears that recent political events in Northern Ireland may have alienated some Catholics from emergent preference for the United Kingdom without yet persuading many that a United Ireland provides a desirable destination."
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2012
Nationalism Is In Crisis - Robinson
Nationalism is currently in crisis, while unionism is becoming a more attractive proposition for Northern Ireland’s Catholic population, according to Peter Robinson.
Nationalism Is In Crisis - Robinson
Nationalism is currently in crisis, while unionism is becoming a more attractive proposition for Northern Ireland’s Catholic population, according to Peter Robinson.
19 September 2013
Recruitment Drive Begins For PSNI
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a new recruitment campaign. Initially, 100 new constables will be recruited, with hopes to employ a further 378 within 2014/15. It is the PSNI's first recruitment drive in more than three years.
Recruitment Drive Begins For PSNI
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a new recruitment campaign. Initially, 100 new constables will be recruited, with hopes to employ a further 378 within 2014/15. It is the PSNI's first recruitment drive in more than three years.
10 October 2012
Baggot Faces Assembly Over Re-Hiring Process
PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggot is preparing to face questions regarding the police service’s hiring of former RUC officers. Baggot will appear before assembly members regarding an Audit Office investigation which last week revealed that the hiring of former RUC staff was at one point "out of control".
Baggot Faces Assembly Over Re-Hiring Process
PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggot is preparing to face questions regarding the police service’s hiring of former RUC officers. Baggot will appear before assembly members regarding an Audit Office investigation which last week revealed that the hiring of former RUC staff was at one point "out of control".
16 May 2008
Executive To Pick Up Tab For Back Pay Settlement
Women workers and Catholics figure most in a group of lower paid civil servants in Northern Ireland who are set to receive over £100m in back pay. The move revealed this week by NI Finance Minister Peter Robinson, is to redress inequality.
Executive To Pick Up Tab For Back Pay Settlement
Women workers and Catholics figure most in a group of lower paid civil servants in Northern Ireland who are set to receive over £100m in back pay. The move revealed this week by NI Finance Minister Peter Robinson, is to redress inequality.
23 November 2005
Report shows increase in those with 'no religion'
A new report has revealed a significant increase in the number of people who now see themselves as having no religion.
Report shows increase in those with 'no religion'
A new report has revealed a significant increase in the number of people who now see themselves as having no religion.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
