NORTHERN Ireland voters say Brexit is top issue in the upcoming British General Election.

A survey for the Irish Sun reveals that Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill and the DUP’s Arlene Foster will face an electorate where 53.7 per cent place it above any other concern as they prepare to cast their votes.



But the Euro breakaway debate is expected to make little difference to the eventual outcome.

For our survey reveals it is likely there will no change in who Northern Ireland elects to be its MPs – although one constituency is split.

How people are planning to vote

The tug-of-war in Fermanagh-South Tyrone is on again between sitting MP Tom Elliott, of the UUP, and its previous MP Michelle Gildernew, of Sinn Fein.

The tussle in that constituency, where the DUP has stood aside to allow the UUP a clear run, has come down to a handful of votes in recent polls.

Our survey by LucidTalk, rated health and education as the second most important issue with voters.

Then came equality, jobs and the economy.

The Irish language is seventh, with 23 per cent saying it is at the front of their minds, and Irish unity is next with 21.4 per cent.

The burning issue of RHI, which led to the collapse of Stormont in January, is ninth on the list at 15.6 per cent while union with the UK is tenth at 13.3 per cent.

What should happen after the election

Our survey also reveals that less than half of all voters want the Northern Ireland assembly, with a first and deputy first minister, back up and running after the June General Election.

It shows that 44.5 per cent would like things back up and running right away at Stormont while 21.9 per cent of people would like to see some form of Joint Authority between the British and Irish governments.

Only 7.5 per cent would prefer permanent Direct Rule from London while 26 per cent say they would be happy with a period of Direct Rule.

The survey also reveals the total unionist vote is likely to rise by 0.7 per cent while the nationalist vote is on course to dip by 0.1 per cent.

LUCIDTALK’s online poll used a weighted, representative 2,080 full responses over 60 hours online last week.

All data results produced are accurate to a margin of error of +/-3.0%, at 95% confidence.