Most people are happy with the current situation and want to live their lives in peace and prosperity.
That certainly seems true from what I've seen. Your post got me curious about how much those numbers might have changed.
The question posed is "What do you think the long-term policy for Northern Ireland should be?"
I only included responses for "To remain a part of the United Kingdom" or "Reunify with the rest of Ireland"? UK is the top number.
1998 57
22
1999 56
21
2000 50
28
2001 50
28
2002 55
22
2003 55
24
2004 59
22
Interesting the big dip is 2000 and 2001. Celtic Tiger? Or something else?
Results by Year
IMO its a combination of the Celtic Tiger and the ME conflicts. The former being a reason to move to Ireland the latter a reason to leave the UK. The conflicts are not popular while the tax situation in Ireland are very attractive.
Given where the EU is headed, a logicial person would cease to think that there will be great deal of difference in a few years.