The Irish Times/MRBI poll published today shows that the people of this State retain a highly positive attitude to membership of the European Union. Confidence in the future regarding personal and professional prospects is, at 70 per cent, considerably higher than the average of the 12 countries which participated in parallel surveys. Satisfaction with the way the European Union is evolving was expressed by 59 per cent in this State, the highest rating of the 12. In the United Kingdom, only 39 per cent considered themselves happy with the way the EU is evolving, and in Greece, the rating was a mere 20 per cent.
Behind these encouraging statistics, however, there are signs that an erosion of support for some aspects of the EU has begun and there are some striking indications that citizens of this State know much less about the Union and its institutions than people elsewhere. Only 25 per cent of those interviewed, for example, had even heard of Romano Prodi as he prepares to take over the helm in Brussels. All other countries, with the exception of the UK at 23 per cent, showed a far greater awareness.
While 57 per cent showed confidence in the Government's ability to improve the economic and social situation, such confidence was expressed by 72 per cent in a similar poll in October 1998. With the poll showing that 66 per cent regard local issues to be of major importance in the forthcoming European elections this is hardly good news for the Government as polling day approaches.
For almost a generation, the European Union has been a driving force for economic and social progress in this State. Almost every town and village has benefited from EU membership and, not surprisingly, Ireland's satisfaction ratings have consistently been higher than those of other countries. Today's poll indicates that this has begun to change. With the balance of EU benefits scheduled to shift towards less affluent countries, respondents here have been far less enthusiastic than most, at the EU's proposed eastward enlargement. Just 40 per cent in this State, compared to 54 per cent on average, and 68 per cent in Italy, showed support for admitting eastern European countries.
A marked reluctance towards other proposed areas of integration has also been shown. Only 40 per cent favour the election of a European President compared to 50 per cent over the 12 states. Opposition to a common European government stands at 54 per cent - 10 points higher than the average. In military matters, there are some strongly contradictory attitudes. Antipathy to the creation of a common European army is high. Backing for NATO's actions in Serbia is average. Support for the use of ground troops in Kosovo is considerably stronger than elsewhere.
The erosion in previously overwhelmingly positive attitudes towards the EU shown in this poll, is likely to herald the beginning in what may become a new relationship with Brussels. Calls for this State to play a greater role in European security combined with a slackening in the flow of funds from Brussels, may soon become realities. These will provide the true tests of commitment to the EU and its objectives.