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Making Sense of a United Ireland

Should it happen? How might it happen?

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Making Sense of a United Ireland

By: Brendan O'Leary
Narrated by: Brendan Dempsey
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Will Ireland really reunite?

Throughout the century since partition the unification of the two parts of the island seemed impossible. Many still feel that it is, particularly because of the bloody legacy of past conflict.

However, by 2030, if not sooner, Ulster unionists' demographic and electoral advantages will be over. And in the light of Brexit, the rising popularity of Sinn Féin, political developments both sides of the border, and within Great Britain, Irish unification referendums will become increasingly likely. Yet even those who want these to happen are not prepared.

Making Sense of a United Ireland is a landmark exploration of this most contentious of issues. Distinguished political scientist Brendan O'Leary - a global expert on divided places, who has been profoundly engaged with the Irish question for nearly four decades - argues that the time to consider the future of the island of Ireland is now.

© Brendan O'Leary 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

 Elections & Political Process Europe Politics & Government World Great Britain United Ireland

Critic reviews

Welcome and compelling
A tour de force
Thoughtful and thought-provoking . . . [provides] invaluable insights into the choices and challenges that lie ahead (Oran Doyle)
Highly impressive . . . several books have been written about this subject in 2022 alone, but for sheer intellectual firepower O'Leary wins first prize (Andrew Lynch)
Should be required reading for everyone - including unionists - who are interested in and concerned about the fate of this island (Andy Pollak)
Brilliant (Brian Feeney)
A must-read . . . [O'Leary has] thought through the implications of possible unity so deeply it would be foolish for anyone who seeks it or opposes it to ignore his book (Cathal Mac Coille)
A tour de force, a highly readable, stylishly written, and essential book for anyone interested in a united Ireland, whether supportive, opposed or simply anxious about disturbing the peace we have enjoyed for 25 years . . . fascinating and ultimately optimistic
Impressively researched and well-argued . . . detailed and readable
All stars
Most relevant
A must read for anyone thinking about a future Ireland or constitutions generally.
Congratulations to the author and producers on an excellent book.

Excellent, informative and thought provoking

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This is a first class analysis of the challenges and opportunities of a future process to create and establish a united Ireland. It is fair, balanced and realistic. I would recommend it to anyone interested in a professional, academic and unemotional treatment of the subject.
In addition, the performance is very good, easy to listen to, and highly professional.

Excellent tour d'horizon

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Thorough. Comprehensive. Roadmap. This book and the Arins data are essential to help navigate the future and avoid pitfalls and generate community cohesion.

Brilliant analysis. Well done!!!!!

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Explained brilliantly the many complexities on the road to 'a Nation once again'. Excellently read.

Highly Insightful

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Great overall but at times very academic. A lot of thinking has gone through and I hope politicians north and south listens to it.

Good but too academic

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