Poll: 72% want reduction in immigrant numbers

[FutureTaoiseach]

Extract of the poll in the Irish Times. This shows that it is time for the Irish govt and the folks in Leinster House to start getting tough on this issue. In particular, they must deport failed asylum seekers without delay. The views of Mayor Kiely were clearly not those of an extreme minority, but rather those of the majority of Irish people:

THE VAST majority (72 per cent) of people want to see a reduction in the number of non-Irish immigrants living here, according to an Irish Times /Behaviour Attitudes opinion poll.
Overall, a total of 43 per cent say they would like to see some, but not all, immigrants leave the State, while 29 per cent would like to see most immigrants leave. In contrast, just over a quarter (26 per cent) would like to see the number of immigrants remain as it is.
In a reversal of trends from polls in recent years, younger people’s attitudes towards immigration have hardened the most.
For example, 81 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 would like to see the number of immigrants fall, compared to 69 per cent in the 25-44 age group. People in rural areas and those from less well-off backgrounds are also more likely to support a reduction in the number of foreign workers based here.The findings are contained in a national poll on “Ireland Today” of 1,004 adults. It was conducted between October 12th and 26th this year at 100 sampling points across the State. The economic downturn is so acute it is causing many to consider leaving the country.....

More breakdown on this aspect of the poll:

When asked what their personal preferences would be with regard to the number of non Irish-born immigrants who may or may not leave the country within the next few years, 43 per cent stated that they would like to see some, but not all such immigrants leave the country, with a further 26 per cent preferring the number of immigrants to remain as it is. A core 29 per cent (or just under one million individuals altogether) suggest, however, that they would like to see most non-Irish born immigrants to leave Ireland. This arguably less tolerant view is more pronounced in rural Ireland, where approaching half of all inhabitants would like to see most immigrants leave. Younger people (ie aged 18 to 24 years) are the least tolerant of all age groups on this issue, as are those in the C2DE socio-economic category (blue-collar workers and those reliant on social welfare).Incidentally, just under one in 10 of all respondents identified themselves as non-Irish born, a proportion which rises to 15 per cent in the 25-34 age group...

[Middleaged]

So another racist on my list... I'm going to have a lot of Christmas Cards left over....

My estimation of you has lowered considerably.....

[toxic avenger]

The less Viking, Norman, and Celt descended people here, the better. Been nothing but trouble since they were let in...

[FutureTaoiseach]

So another racist on my list... I'm going to have a lot of Christmas Cards left over....

My estimation of you has lowered considerably.....

Are you calling 72% of the Irish people racists? This has nothing to do with racism. Another PC-brigadier on my list.

The less Viking, Norman, and Celt descended people here, the better. Been nothing but trouble since they were let in...

It's not about race it's about what the country can cope with. We can't cope with the floods in Cork for example where half the city is without water. So how can we be expected to provide for another million people projected in the next 20 years? In any case, the numbers you are talking about were nothing on this scale. A study by TCD referred to on an RTE series called "Blood of the Irish" found that 80% of us are descended from the first inhabitants of Ireland from 11,000 years ago, despite centuries of intermarriage.

I have nothing against people who have a right to be here. I have plenty against those who abuse the asylum-system by crossing several safe EU countries and then claiming their life depends on staying in Ireland.

[toxic avenger]

So another racist on my list... I'm going to have a lot of Christmas Cards left over....

My estimation of you has lowered considerably.....

Disagree with FT on this though I do, he's no racist.

[FutureTaoiseach]

Disagree with FT on this though I do, he's no racist.

+1.

[kerrynorth]

The 81% figure for 18-24 year olds is the starkest figure. This age group is the one that is finding immigrants taking up jobs that would otherwise be available for students part-time etc.

[hiding behind a poster]

"71% happy with most immigrants staying in Ireland".

The poll says that too, FT.

[cyberianpan]

The 81% figure for 18-24 year olds is the starkest figure. This age group is the one that is finding immigrants taking up jobs that would otherwise be available for students part-time etc.

Well globalization will drive down the costs for menial labor here

Why should an Irish person expect to be paid handsomely for collecting glasses in a bar when people verge on starving in China ?

cYp

[eyeswideopen]

The thread title doesn't reflect the article accurately.

The rural areas, that apparently have a more negative attitude to people who have immigrated, have fewer immigrants. Interesting.

Yes, the young are angry about not getting jobs and are looking for someone to blame. They can't see the bankers, I suppose.