United Ireland: For and Against with Sam McBride

Would a united Ireland be better for Northern Ireland? Would it improve lives in the Republic of Ireland? Journalist Sam McBride examines the strongest arguments for and against a united Ireland in his newest book, co-written by Fintan O’Toole, For and Against a United Ireland. The prospect of Irish unification is now more discussed than at any point since partition a century ago. In For and Against a United Ireland, McBride and O’Toole argue the case for and against unity, questioning received wisdom and bringing fresh thinking to one of Ireland's most intractable questions. McBride will be joined by former journalist and broadcaster Bill Neely to discuss what a united Ireland would mean for voters on both sides of the border.

Sam McBride is the Northern Ireland Editor of the Belfast Telegraph and the Sunday Independent newspapers. He also writes on Northern Ireland for The Economist. For and Against a United Ireland is McBride’s second book and has been described as “an effort to stir the “undecideds” out of indifference.” The book highlights the democratic necessity of debate and effectively illustrates how data can be used to support opposing arguments.

In conversation with Bill Neely, McBride will delve into the primary competing perspectives on the future of the island including the economic and social potential, how democratic representation will be dealt with and opportunities for reform.

For and Against a United Ireland shows that discussing Irish unity can itself be an exercise in mutual understanding. The book explores the mindsets of the nationalist and unionist traditions and spotlights the real existing problems in both jurisdictions as well as the key questions that need to be considered.

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