Poll shows 46% in favour of Irish troops serving in European army

Almost half of people polled say they would vote yes in a referendum on the issue and 48 per cent believe Ireland should join Nato

The Red C poll found that 48 per cent of people believe Ireland should join Nato to boost its security. Picture: Leah Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Almost half of Irish voters would be willing to support a referendum motion for Irish troops to serve in a potential future European army.

The latest Business Post/Red C poll was carried out as EU foreign ministers agreed last week to the creation of an EU rapid reaction force of up to 5,000 troops as part of a common European defence policy.

The poll found that 46 per cent of people surveyed would vote in ...