Ireland is one of the most tolerant and accepting countries in the EU, according to a recent study.
More than 27,000 people from various counties in the EU were surveyed, including more than 1,000 in Ireland.
The results showed that Irish people are among the most open-minded with regards to colour, race, gender and sexual orientation.
The survey was carried out between May 30th and June 8th, just a week after the Irish public voted in favour of same sex marriage in the country.
That attitude of equality was backed up by the survey, with 82% of Irish people saying that there is nothing wrong with two people of the same sex entering into a relationship. That is far higher than the EU average of 67%.
The same sentiment was echoed in the Irish response to whether or not gay, lesbian and bisexual people should be allowed the same rights as heterosexual people to which 87% thought they should, again much higher than the average EU response of 71%.
Irish people would also happily elect a leader who was gay, lesbian or bisexual, so long as they were the best candidate for the position. Ireland finished third highest in the countries surveyed regarding this question, with 81% saying yes, compared to the EU average of 54%. Sweden (87%) and the Netherlands (85%) came first and second respectively.
The ethnic group of the vast majority of Ireland’s population is white Irish. However, in recent decades the country has welcomed thousands of people of various races from numerous countries around the world. The country’s capital Dublin has been described as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.
This diversity has led Irish people to be extremely hospitable and welcoming.
It is among the leading countries in the EU with regards to acceptance of people with different ethnic backgrounds. 78% of people surveyed said they would be comfortable if their son or daughter entered into a relationship with a black person, compared to the EU average of 64%.
There was a similar response to the same question regarding an Asian person (79% of Irish parents being happy for their son/daughter to enter into a relationship) or someone from the Roma community (64%).
Finally, gender or age are not issues for the majority of the Irish public. They finished second in the EU with regards to willingness to vote a female in to the highest electable position at 94% – Sweden top with 96% and the EU average 82%.
Ireland would also be willing to elect a leader who was less than 30 years old, if they were the best candidate. 65% of Irish people said yes to this question compared to 54% of people from the whole of the EU.
