A YouGov survey commissioned by the charity this month confirmed the traditional conclusions on Northern Ireland, that it has the largest proportion of church-goers and charity- givers in the UK.

But the results also provide some apparently contradictory results, with many Ulster people wanting to have their voices heard, yet apparently being not so keen to take personal political action.

Out of 11 well-known campaigners suggested, Northern Ireland's favourite was Nelson Mandela with 18 per cent, second was Indian independence campaigner Ghandi with 16 per cent and third was Martin Luther King with 12 per cent. In contrast the top three UK campaigners dropped Ghandi in favour of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

The online poll was commissioned by Christian Aid to promote its events across the UK in September and October which aim to educate on more effective campaigning on global poverty.

The survey found Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of people attending a church or faith group – 34 per cent against a poll average of 13 per cent, and the largest proportion who would donate to a charity tackling an issue of concern – 57 per cent against a poll average of 51 per cent.

Northern Ireland also has the highest proportion of people wanting to make their voice heard on matters affecting them, 58 per cent compared to a 48 per cent average, and the largest percentage of people who would sign a petition, 80 per cent compared to a 75 per cent average.

But in contrast, it also has the lowest proportion of people willing to vote for a party tackling issues of concern, 58 per cent compared to a 65 per cent average; and the lowest proportion of people who would write to their MP on a matter of concern, 31 per cent compared to an average 49 per cent.

Together with the north west, east and south west of England, Northern Ireland also has the highest level of apathy among respondents, with eight per cent compared to a six per cent average preferring to do nothing about a cause because they believe that "the government and big business never listen".

None of the 1,965 people surveyed said they were members of a political party, against a poll average of six per cent.

Adrian Horsman of Christian Aid disagreed with any suggestion that the results present Northern Ireland as having high armchair aspirations but a low commitment to get practically involved.

"We believe it is not apathy, it is clear that people in Northern Ireland want their voices heard," he said.

"There is very high church and charity involvement and it seems many people in Northern Ireland prefer to address issues through churches and charities rather than through politics.

"In Christian Aid it is our job to empower people and give them confidence to meet their politicians on the issues that concern them."