The extensive research project has now been running for two years and has provided a wealth of independent and neutral data on highly contested subjects. So, what have we learned from the first two ARINS/Irish Times surveys about current public opinion on constitutional futures? What do we know about the prospect of a united Ireland now – and, perhaps, more importantly, in the future?
Two surveys, conducted simultaneously in Northern Ireland and the Republic, examined voters’ attitudes to a possible united Ireland and referendums on the issue.
These surveys are part of the North and South series, an initiative of the ARINS Project and The Irish Times. The ARINS Project is a research collaboration between the Royal Irish Academy and the Keough Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs and is dedicated to analysing and researching Ireland North and South.
27 January 2024
North and South: what we know now, and what we want to investigate in future
21 January 2024
Can the Red Hand of Ulster be transformed into a unifying image for the island of Ireland?
Republic says No to poppy and Red Hand of Ulster: Poll shows hostility of voters to Northern symbols
20 January 2024
Northern voters’ views on Irish symbols pose interesting challenges to advocates of unification
Northern Protestants wary of use of Irish symbols in any united Ireland
Protestant voters in NI strongly opposed to use of Tricolour for united Ireland poll
Flags and symbols will remain a point of division between North and South
19 January 2024
North and South: aiming to provide independent and unbiased information
New research shows North-South divisions on Commonwealth
Voters in Republic remain hostile to Commonwealth, poll finds
11 December 2023
Would a new office of vice-president help inclusivity in an united Ireland?
Southern voters lukewarm on idea of unionist vice-president in united Ireland, study finds
Clear majority in North and Republic support constitutional change in event of Irish unity
9 December 2023
United Ireland: Southern voters open to discussion on flags and anthem
What are the aims of the North and South project?
Republic wary but open to changes that will pave the way to Irish unity
5 December 2023
North and South differ on benefits of unity
Northern Protestants pessimistic on benefits of Irish unity
Voters North and South disagree on potential economic benefits from a united Ireland
4 December 2023
Loss of income would put almost half of voters off a united Ireland
North-South study: Could the Republic’s budget surplus pay for a united Ireland fund?
Money is a big consideration for most in possible vote in Irish unity
2 December 2023
North and South project aims to present unbiased information on unification question
Signs that ‘losers’ consent’ among Protestants for Irish unity is increasing in Northern Ireland
Irish unity moves up list of priorities but lags behind health, housing and economy
The Irish Times view on attitudes on a united Ireland: a dose of realism for the debate
The surveys were designed by John Garry, Brendan O’Leary, Jamie Pow, the ARINS public opinion sub-committee, and Pat Leahy of The Irish Times.
John Garry is Professor of Political Behaviour at Queen’s University Belfast and leads The Democracy Unit, a research centre established in 2019 focusing on the study of democratic theory, institutions and behaviour.
Brendan O’Leary is Lauder Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and an honorary member of Royal Irish Academy. Recent books include Making Sense of a United Ireland and A Treatise on Northern Ireland.
Jamie Pow is a Lecturer in Political Science at Queen’s University Belfast. His research focuses on the way people interact with democratic decision-making, including through elections, mini-publics and referendums
Pat Leahy is Political Editor of The Irish Times. His books include The Price of Power: Inside Ireland’s Crisis Coalition and Showtime: The Inside Story of Fianna Fáil in Power.
PDF summaries of the data can be downloaded below.
The raw data can be downloaded here in .sav format.
