Poll results show Britons favour a united Ireland

Forty-one per cent of Britons are in favour of a united Ireland, while only 26 per cent want the province in the UK according to a poll that was published by the Guardian/ICM on Tuesday.

For unionists, the findings amount to a cold shoulder from their fellow citizens as only one in four wants the province to stay part of the country.

Asked who they blame for the current problems in Northern Ireland peace process, three per cent named unionists, five per cent said republicans, while 64 per cent blamed both sides equally.

The main findings represent a long-term shift in British opinion on the future of the province. Surveys in the 80s and 90s showed opinion was much more evenly divided, with just a point or two separating the two opposing views.

This poll sees the pro-unification camp extend a 15 per cent lead over the stay-in-the-UK position.

It also brings Britain closer into line with opinion within the Irish republic, where polls show an overwhelming majority continues to favour unification.

ICM interviewed a random sample of 1,004 adults aged 18+. Interviews were conducted across Britain and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. (CD)