Activists fought unsuccessfully for a ‘no’ vote in the 2004 citizenship referendum, but the result would likely be different today

Seven out of 10 voters believe children born on the island of Ireland should be automatically entitled to citizenship, in an almost direct reversal of the result of the citizenship referendum 14 years ago.

A new Behaviour & Attitudes poll for The Sunday Times has found 71% of Irish voters believe anyone born in Ireland should be entitled to citizenship, while one in five (19%) feel they should not have automatic entitlement.

The poll was taken following the high-profile case of Eric Zhi Ying Xue, 9, a pupil in St Cronan’s national school, Bray, Co Wicklow, who was faced with deportation along with his Chinese mother, Leena Mei Mei Xue.

Government heavy-hitters Mary Hanafin and Mary Harney canvassed for a ‘yes’ vote back in 2004 PHOTOCALL IRELAND

Eric and Leena learnt this month that the immediate threat of deportation had been lifted.