The cost of living and housing concerns were the main reasons why Irish citizens were encouraged to vote in this summer’s European elections, according to the results of a new EU-wide survey. Research by the European Commission shows 56pc of Irish voters said rising prices and living costs were the main issue driving their voting decision compared to the EU average of 42pc. Housing was the second biggest topic in motivating Irish people to vote, with 44pc citing the issue as a reason – in contrast to just 10pc of all EU voters. Migration came next, with 39pc of Irish respondents claiming it was a reason why they voted, 11 percentage points above the EU average. Although migration was the third biggest issue for Irish voters, it was ranked joint fifth place with climate change by all EU citizens after rising prices, the economic situation, the international situation and democracy and the rule of law.

Source: Irish Independent October 14, 2024 09:01 UTC