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.



- Introduction

1. The case against a united Ireland — 1

FINTAN O'TOOLE

2. The case for a united Ireland — 33

SAM McBRIDE

3. The case for a united Ireland — 73

FINTAN O'TOOLE

4. The case against a united Ireland — 109

SAM McBRIDE

- Postscript 149

- Endnotes 155

- Further reading 167

- Acknowledgements 169

- Index 171