For and against a united Ireland

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.

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. "O'Toole and McBride set out to demonstrate a core principle of liberal democracy: that free and reasoned deliberation can help ensure good quality, consensual outcomes... With intelligence and rigour, they have each made historically significant interventions as journalists and authors." Prof Katy Hayward, The Irish Times: "A major and unique contribution...The book illuminates the mindsets of the nationalist and unionist traditions more effectively than many passionate representatives of those traditions have ever achieved... Remarkably and fittingly, unionists and nationalists, northerners and southerners, will find themselves united in recommending this book." Prof David Mitchell, Slugger O'Toole "I'd say to anybody: Definitely buy this book...unionists need to read this book". Tim Cairns, ex-DUP adviser "Well-informed and readable...essential reading". Colin Harvey, Ireland's Future