A majority of the population (53%) position themselves in the centre in political terms in the Amarach Consulting poll, only two points higher than in a survey in 1981.

But the big change since the early 1980s, according to the new research, is a swing from the right to the left in people's political orientation. Back in 1981, only 5% said their political leanings were left-wing and 18% said they were right of centre. Now 15% describe their politics as left of centre while those on the right have fallen to 12% of the population.

Gerard O'Neill of Amarach Consulting, said the shift might be explained by people in the 1980s being influenced by government spending running out of control and the early years of Thatcherism.

"Social partnership has created consensus which had neutralised the left-right debate.

People now accept a mixed economy approach and while they are not screwed by high taxes, they see the need for better public services, " he said.

The new research shows that the level of participation in political activities has increased since the early 1980s with more than half of respondents saying they had signed a petition, compared to just a quarter in the earlier period.

Nevertheless, two in five people say they have no interest in politics.

O'Neill said the picture was important in light of the forthcoming general election. "Parties advocating centre-left policy mixes will likely tap into this shift."