A new survey has revealed what Irish people believe makes them ‘uniquely Irish’ in the modern 2017 world.
The survey also offered up several other interesting opinions such as what the country’s proudest national moment has been.
A campaign called ‘This is what we’re made of’ was launched by broadcaster Angela Scanlon and sponsored by Panadol.
It revealed that rather than Irish fiery red hair, defiance in adversity or even supping Guinness in the Irish pub, it is the light-hearted personalities and a sense of fun and optimism that makes the Irish stand out.
Enjoying the craic was the number one answer with 20% of the vote. It was quickly followed by a resilience and ability to overcome challenges with 18%
Focus on the family unit got 13% of the vote, while 12% were most proud of the Irish ‘gift of the gab’.
On a less positive note, 10% of people believed the most prominent national trait was ‘begrudgery’.
Scanlon, who now works in the UK, says that her national identity is something that matters a great deal to her and other ex-pats.
She said: “Ireland has changed so much, even in the past couple of years, but at the heart we are still a nation of romantics, eternal optimists who protect ourselves with cynicism often mistaken for begrudgery.”
The survey revealed that the nation’s proudest moment was the 2015 referendum which saw the people vote in favour of legalising gay marriage.
President Michael D Higgins remains popular with Irish people of all ages with 62% saying he best personifies what it means to be Irish.
Irish people are pleased that the country is becoming more culturally diverse with 88% saying that this was a source of pride.
Over three quarters (76%) said they were proud that the country was increasingly open and 52% were proud of the nation’s confidence.
Church has become far less important to people as 82% said they are less spiritual. However, this hasn’t made them less caring with 56% saying they are community-minded and 47% being focused on the needs of the people around them and their local area.
Elsewhere in the survey, U2 were still the favourite butt of the joke for Irish people, tea still had the ability to ‘solve problems’ and Conor McGregor’s defeat to Floyd Mayweather was a sad day for the country.
Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling