Sea of Opinions: Elite Cueing, Deep-Rooted Beliefs and Differentiated Integration in Northern Ireland

This research investigated the role of elite cueing and deep-rooted beliefs as causal drivers of public opinion on differentiated integration (DI) in Northern Ireland (NI). As a result of Brexit NI was forced to de-integrate from the European Union (EU). However, as a result of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA), they had to maintain connections with the EU through policies, so as to maintain peace post the conflict that occurred. Brexit raised serious issues within NI, especially in relation to the border on the island of Ireland. Due to this, policies in relation to DI have become more salient to those living in NI. Previous studies on the topic of DI have analysed public opinion on DI but have not attempted to analyse what drives it. This study aims to begin to fill that research gap through analysing how public opinion is shaped by these factors on tangible DI policies such as the Irish Sea border (ISB) and VAT and regulatory checks. Furthermore, this research aims to unpack the complex causal mechanisms that exist within the concepts of elite cueing and deep-rooted beliefs. Interviews were conducted with members of the public in order to unpack these mechanisms and understand them better as drivers. Results show that mechanisms such as identity, community, collective memories and historical context interplay to engrain deep-rooted beliefs therefore, making them influential drivers of public opinion on these topics.