The eurozone economy has seen further growth in 2015

More than three quarters of people think Ireland should stay in the EU even if the UK leaves, a new national poll reveals.

Even more believe that Ireland has benefited from membership, with 84pc believing that the European Union has been a boon for Irish growth.

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A Red C poll commission by European Movement Ireland found that only 33pc of people felt Ireland should leave the EU if the UK votes to do so in 2017.

The British government has promised to hold an 'in out' referendum on EU membership, and Prime Minister David Cameron is to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel later today as he continues to seek support for reforms to Britain's arrangements with the EU.

Other findings show that the vast majority of Irish farmers (94pc) want to remain in the EU, and that only 33pc of people agreed that there should be an EU army.

Over 1,000 adults aged 18 and over were interviewed nationwide between 11 and 13 May 2015.

Commenting on the results, executive director of EM Ireland Noelle O’Connell welcomed the high levels of support for the EU but added that the situation in the UK was “of huge concern”.

"It is very noteworthy that in the last two years, a growing number of Irish people believe that even if our nearest neighbours leave, that we should remain in the EU".

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"The results also indicate that Irish people overwhelmingly believe that Ireland has benefited from EU membership, with 86% agreeing with this statement in the poll," she added.

Online Editors