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For and Against a United Ireland

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For and Against a United Ireland

By: Fintan O'Toole, Sam McBride
Narrated by: Fintan O'Toole, Sam McBride
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About this listen

The prospect of Irish unification is now stronger than at any point since partition in 1921. Voters on both sides of the Irish border may soon have to confront for themselves what the answer to a referendum question would mean - for themselves, for their neighbours, and for their society.

Journalists Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride examine the strongest arguments for and against a united Ireland. What do the words 'united Ireland' even mean? Would it be better for Northern Ireland? Would it improve lives in the Republic of Ireland? And could it be brought about without bloodshed?

O'Toole and McBride each argue the case for and against unity, questioning received wisdom and bringing fresh thinking to one of Ireland's most intractable questions.

©2025 Fintan O'Toole, Sam McBride (P)2025 Royal Irish Academy Elections & Political Process Europe Politics & Government World Socialism

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All stars
Most relevant
Chapter 1 by Fintan O’Toole is very well argued and should be required listening for those who think this is a simple black and white issue. His view that a new Ireland is an opportunity to fix what is broken across the island is interesting but I wouldn’t be too hopeful. Sam McBride’s points (in either direction) seem to me to be far less coherent with seemingly unrelated or contradictory points continuously arriving to weaken rather strengthen his argument.

Required listening

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I liked the idea of this book thinking that "he who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that". Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 70s, the only argument that I ever felt presented with for a united Ireland was, well, we'll stop murdering you all if you agree to it, so I was particularly interested to hear the nationalist arguments from Fintan, whose other books I have enjoyed. I genuinely found Sam's pro essay both compelling and moving.

I learned a lot from this

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Sam McBride should be in government. He is so intelligent. Everyone with an interest in Ireland should read it.

It was amazing

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The authors have, with this book, done the essential groundwork for the debates, policies and actions that need to take place about institutions and governance on the island of Ireland. Wherever this leads, McBride and O'Toole have given that process an informed start.

Authoritative, balanced and thought-provoking

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