Would we be better off being part of UK?

I've been thinking about this since I've worked in the UK and had a very positive experience there (89 -98). Personally I found in a larger population people mind their own business more. At that time us Irish noticed a difference in the cost of living, the tax was lower, the car tax was lower at that time and car insurance was cheaper due to the fact there were no huge sums of money paid out in compensation claims, amounts seemed to be capped in relation to particular injuries, don't know if thats still the case.
In my opinion, I felt fortunate to be English speaking when I see the effort it takes for others to learn English. Its difficult enough to travel and find work in another country without having to learn the language, so in my opinion again I'm glad I'm English speaking. It opens up more opportunities for people to work in other countries when they are English speaking, I think we take it for granted. In the big world outside Ireland, Gaeilge doesn't put bread on the table.
Now we are travelling up North to do even the supermarket in the present time and we are told we are unpatriotic. It still pays to import cars from the UK.
Why am I living here then? Well my partners job is here so I had to make a decision and yes I'd go back in the morning if I got the opportunity. This of course was my experience only, that and the frantic Celtic tiger which seems to have changed to a whimpering kitten. Don't know how many of you worked abroad and could see the differences when you returned?