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Every once in a while, I've some *fascinating* info to share with you!
Prompted by @CathalPMc, here's the latest @ARK_Info NI Life&Times survey results on political identity in N.Ireland.
TL;DR: The Tories aren't the only ones feeling less unionist.
1/6
ark.ac.uk/nilt/2018/Poli…
Prompted by @CathalPMc, here's the latest @ARK_Info NI Life&Times survey results on political identity in N.Ireland.
TL;DR: The Tories aren't the only ones feeling less unionist.
1/6
ark.ac.uk/nilt/2018/Poli…
As @CathalPMc notes, there's been a leap in 2018 in those describing themselves as Neither unionist nor nationalist.
This appears to come purely from people moving from unionist to 'neither' (Don't knows/Others are negligible).
NB This isn't the same as political preference.
2/6
This appears to come purely from people moving from unionist to 'neither' (Don't knows/Others are negligible).
NB This isn't the same as political preference.
2/6
This shift away from 'Unionist' & towards 'Neither' has happened across genders, altho' women are still significantly more likely to identify as Neither unionist nor nationalist.
This is reflected to some extent in voting support for Alliance & Green Party. [link to follow]
3/6
This is reflected to some extent in voting support for Alliance & Green Party. [link to follow]
3/6
And so to that classic NI variable: Religion.
And look 👀what's happening among Protestants.
Down from 62% 'unionist' in 2017 to 55% in 2018.
They are moving across to 'Neither' (now 42%, with 2% Don't Knows).
Little change among Catholics and those of No/other Religion.
4/6
And look 👀what's happening among Protestants.
Down from 62% 'unionist' in 2017 to 55% in 2018.
They are moving across to 'Neither' (now 42%, with 2% Don't Knows).
Little change among Catholics and those of No/other Religion.
4/6
As Cathal and I found in our paper on the topic, those who are 'Neither' unionist & nationalist aren't just the young 'uns.
The spike among 35-44 year olds is v.significant, & it seems to have come from rapid movement away unionism & nationalism in that cohort this past year.
5/6
The spike among 35-44 year olds is v.significant, & it seems to have come from rapid movement away unionism & nationalism in that cohort this past year.
5/6
Here's comparing 2017 & 2018 results across age ranges.👇
Interesting trends among 18-24s (rise in unionist identity) & 45-54s (rise in nationalist identity).
Rise in 'Neither' identity notable among the other age cohorts.
Lots to keep an eye on.
6/6
* DM for a version of paper
Interesting trends among 18-24s (rise in unionist identity) & 45-54s (rise in nationalist identity).
Rise in 'Neither' identity notable among the other age cohorts.
Lots to keep an eye on.
6/6
* DM for a version of paper
And not forgetting @CathalPMc Cathal McManus' original tweet..!
