The survey also found that 75 percent were dissatisfied with US President George W. Bush's handling of the crisis.

The invasion to secure Iraq's disarmament and remove President Saddam Hussein was opposed by 62 percent, with 29 percent approving, according to the Sunday Independent/Millward Brown poll.

Meanwhile, the Irish government's controversial decision to continue to allow US troop-carrying planes heading for the Gulf to use transit and refuelling facilities at Ireland's Shannon Airport has divided the country.

A majority of 54 percent believe the use of the airport in the southwest of the country compromises Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality.

The issue of US military access to Shannon was disapproved of by 49 percent, with 43 approving and eight percent having no opinion.

However, with strong connections between Ireland and the US after years of emigration and substantial US industrial investment here, 54 percent agreed it is in the country's national economic interest to support America in its war against Iraq.

The poll was conducted among a sample of 1,075 adults representative of Ireland's 2.82 million voters. They were interviewed face-to-face on Thursday.

WAR.WIRE