Irish 'warming' to UK neighbours

Sport remains a contentious issue for Irish people

Irish attitudes towards the United Kingdom have improved in recent years according to a report.

The report has been compiled from research undertaken by the British Council in Ireland and the British Embassy in Dublin.

The key findings of 'Through Irish Eyes', suggest those surveyed have grown fonder of the United Kingdom.

Three quarters feel they know the UK well, while 85% have friends or family living there.

The survey, which is published on Wednesday, found 74% who believed the UK punches above its weight on the international stage.

However, the majority of those questioned felt Ireland has closer ties to the United States than to Europe.

On the question of a united Ireland, 68% of those questioned were in favour of the concept, but only 36% thought it would be achieved.

Sport is still a divisive subject despite many people in the Irish Republic supporting English soccer teams.

Many still want England to lose when it comes to the World Cup even though they admitted some of the fun goes out of tournaments if England is knocked out.