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48% do not believe carbon tax increase is the way to tackle climate issues

48% do not believe carbon tax increase is the way to tackle climate issues

Nearly half of voters do not believe a carbon tax increase is the way to tackle climate issues.

That is despite a majority of those in a new Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll agreeing that climate change is a major world problem.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe announced a €6 carbon tax in 2020 Budget. He also predicted that the public will face €6 carbon tax hikes every year over the coming decade.

The poll of 1,200 voters between last Friday and Sunday found 55% of them believe climate change is the biggest issue facing the world.

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However, when it comes to ways of tackling the crisis, only 48% would be willing to pay more for fossil fuels.

56% are against spending more on environmental problems and less on public services.

The poll also found those most concerned about climate tend to be younger, urban and better-off voters.

People in rural settings, older and less well off were least concerned and farmers were seen as the most sceptical about climate change issues.

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According to another Irish Times/IpsosMRBI opinion poll published last Monday, Fine Gael holds a four-point lead over Fianna Fáil.

Support for Fine Gael is holding at 29% while Fianna Fáil declines marginally by one point to 25%.

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