1 in 10 Catholics back destroying border cameras
Poll shows support for Remain grows
ALMOST one in 10 Catholics in the North would support cameras being smashed if they are erected on the border after Brexit, a survey has found.
The study also revealed people in Northern Ireland would vote even more strongly to remain in the EU if there was another poll.
A total of 69% would favour Remain if there was a second referendum compared to 56% two years ago.
Catholics were much more likely to support a united Ireland if there was a “hard exit” in which the UK left the customs union and single market.
Lauder Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania Brendan O’leary said: “The proportion wanting to Remain has risen since the 2016 referendum.”
Mr O’leary, who also holds a visiting position at Queen’s University Belfast, added this has happened “as more people have become aware of the possible costs and inconveniences of leaving the EU, as citizens and as employees or employers”.
Other findings included:
■ 28% of Catholics would vote for a united Ireland if the UK changed its mind and remained in the EU, while 53% would vote for a united Ireland if there was a hard exit
■ One in five Catholics found the possible use of cameras at the border “almost impossible to accept” and 9% would support them being vandalised
■ There were expectations protests against border checks or between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK would quickly become violent
■ There was substantial support for a Brexit that would largely eliminate the need for north-south or east-west border checks, and
■ 61% of the population favoured the UK as a whole remaining in the customs union and single market.
Professor of Political Behaviour at QUB John Garry said: “We find Catholics and Protestants most prefer the option that would avoid the need for any new barriers on borders.”
The survey was carried out for the Economic and Social Research Council which is funding the UK In A Changing Europe project.
Proportion wanting to Remain has risen since the 2016 referendum prof BRENDAN O’leary on Survey RESULTS