Cost of living overtakes housing as most important issue to people in Ireland

Cost of living has emerged as the top concern for people in Ireland, surpassing even housing as the most pressing issue, according to a recent survey conducted by More in Common. This shift in public sentiment highlights a broader trend where domestic challenges take precedence over international matters, especially as Ireland assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The survey, which collected responses from approximately 4,300 individuals between April and June, reveals that while the EU presidency garners little public attention, national concerns such as the rising cost of living and housing affordability dominate conversations.

The survey results indicate that 66% of respondents identified the cost of living as the most significant issue facing the country, followed by housing at 58%. Immigration and healthcare also feature prominently on the list of priorities. These findings suggest that the public expects the government to address these pressing domestic issues during the presidency. However, the survey also notes that there is limited awareness of the EU presidency itself, with 38% of participants reporting they had not heard much about it. Only a small fraction of respondents indicated they had heard “a lot” about the presidency, underscoring the disconnect between the political agenda and public interest.

When asked to choose between closer ties with the EU or the United States, a majority—three-quarters—opted for the EU, indicating a strong preference for maintaining close relationships with Europe. Despite this, public perception of the EU remains largely positive, with 61% of voters believing that EU membership benefits the country. This suggests that while the EU is seen as a partner, the immediate concerns of everyday citizens lie elsewhere.

Simultaneously, another survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) sheds light on public trust in the government's handling of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Over 60% of respondents expressed skepticism regarding the government's ability to ensure fair and unbiased treatment of citizens through AI, significantly exceeding the OECD average of 39%. Concerns extend to data privacy, with 72% of people doubting the government's capacity to safeguard personal information from unauthorized access or misuse. These findings highlight a growing unease about the ethical implications of AI integration in governance.

The CSO survey, which involved 2,197 participants, also revealed disparities in understanding of AI, with younger generations demonstrating greater familiarity with the technology. Notably, 81.7% of those aged 18 to 29 understood AI well, compared to just 37.8% of those 50 and older. Gender differences were also evident, with men more likely than women to feel confident explaining AI concepts. These insights underscore the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and ensuring transparency in AI implementation.

Public trust in various institutions has shown a decline, with only 43.8% expressing confidence in the national government, down from 46.6% in previous surveys. Trust in political parties remained relatively stable at 27.4%, while trust in international organizations dropped to 57.4%. Satisfaction with healthcare services was notably lower than that of the education system, with only 32.3% of respondents expressing satisfaction with healthcare, compared to 69.2% for education. These statistics reflect ongoing challenges in public services and the need for improved performance and accountability.

The survey also noted a decrease in overall trust in most people, with 78.7% of respondents stating they trusted most people in 2025, a slight drop from 82.5% in 2023. This trend indicates a subtle but noticeable erosion of societal trust, which could have implications for social cohesion and collective action.

These findings paint a complex picture of public sentiment in Ireland, where domestic concerns are paramount, yet there is a palpable sense of distrust toward governmental capabilities and decisions. As the country navigates its EU presidency and addresses technological advancements, the challenge lies in aligning policy with public expectations and restoring faith in institutional integrity. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these concerns translate into meaningful change or further disillusionment.