Podcasts about United Ireland

Over the weekend US President Donald Trump, said several times that he is in favour of a United Ireland. His comments garnered a lot of pushback from unionist politicians, one of whom was Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim and DUP Chief Whip in the House of Commons.

This week on The Long Game Podcast, Ben and Jason discuss the reaction of the Irish Left to Trump's visit to Ireland, the US President's endorsement of a United Ireland, and whether AI is going to imminently exterminate mankind.

Over the weekend US President Donald Trump, said several times that he is in favour of a United Ireland. His comments garnered a lot of pushback from unionist politicians, one of whom was Sammy Wilson, MP for East Antrim and DUP Chief Whip in the House of Commons.

US president Donald Trump has said a united Ireland would be a 'great thing' on two-day visit to Dublin and the west of Ireland - a comment likely to inflame tensions over the status of Northern Ireland.The British government responded by saying there was no majority support for a referendum on unification, which is what is outlined in a 1998 peace deal.Also in the programme: Saudi Arabia has shut a key oil pipeline after a drone attack launched from Iraq; we will hear from Ukrainian's oldest literary festival, as questions remain on the use of Russian language in Ukraine; and why Wembley Stadium in London will tonight be filled with music-loving Punjabis.(Photo shows US president Donald Trump in Dublin during his trip to the Republic of Ireland on 12 September 2026. Credit: James Manning/PA)

Andy Burnham may be new to the job in Number 10 Downing Street, but he's already found himself at the centre of a political row over one of the most sensitive issues on this island: Irish unity. The British prime minister's unequivocal dismissal of any prospect of a border poll has reignited a long-running debate about who gets to decide Northern Ireland's future, and when that moment should come. But strip away the politics, and one question remains: in an Ireland that's changing socially and demographically, would a vote for unity actually succeed? Is there a genuine appetite for a united Ireland north and south of the Border? And what can past referendums and reunification projects across Europe tell us about the challenges ahead? On today's Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by the Irish Independent's John Downing to examine the question that has shaped Irish politics for generations: could a border poll actually deliver a united Ireland? The Indo Daily is part of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his new novel A Nation Once Again, Paul Howard, best known for the Ross O'Carroll Kelly series, turns his satirical eye from wealthy South Dublin to an imaginary government department devoted to preparing for the reunification of Ireland. He talks to Hugh about how the concept allowed him to explore both the absurdity of the border's existence and the ridiculousness of trying to remove itThey discuss the book's origins as a sitcom, how his experience as a child in Ireland with an English accent (Howard's family returned to Ireland when he was eight) helped him develop an ear for phonetic quirks and why Ireland's Call may be the perfect anthem for a United Ireland. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this morning's show... The State has been urged "to go further" in its promotion of the Mother and Baby Institutions Redress Scheme. Cllr Carly Whyte of the SDLP on the United Ireland being off the table. Bernie Goldbach tells us about his near-death experience on the German autobahn From September 3rd to 6th, Kraków will become a vibrant celebration of Celtic culture. Karen Prendergast from Interior Concepts in the 10 hour Dear Phil, our agony aunt is her after 11 This Friday night, September 4th, The Pretty Procedure is coming to the Source Arts Centre in Thurles.

Diese Episode wurde mit Hilfe von KI erstelltWenn Geschichte brennt – Nordirlands BonfiresJedes Jahr entstehen in Nordirland riesige Bonfires. Sie gehören zu den Traditionen rund um den 12. Juli und sind eng mit der Orange Order, dem Unionismus und der Erinnerung an jahrhundertealte Konflikte verbunden.Doch was steckt heute hinter diesen Feuern? Wo endet Tradition und wo beginnen Provokation, Sektierertum und politische Abgrenzung?Darüber haben wir mit dem irischen Historiker Bartle D'Arcy gesprochen. Er erklärt, warum die Bonfires für Teile der protestantisch-unionistischen Bevölkerung bis heute eine wichtige Rolle spielen, weshalb die Feuer immer wieder für Diskussionen sorgen und wie sich Nordirland seit dem Good Friday Agreement verändert hat.Unser Gespräch führt schließlich weit über die Bonfires hinaus. Es geht um die Zukunft Nordirlands, das Zusammenleben von Unionisten und Nationalisten und um die Frage, wie ein mögliches United Ireland aussehen könnte.Bartle D'Arcy blickt dabei nicht nur auf die Geschichte zurück. Für ihn geht es zunehmend um ganz praktische Fragen: Wirtschaft, Gesundheitswesen, Bildung, Europa und darum, welche Zukunft die Menschen auf der irischen Insel gemeinsam gestalten wollen.Bartle D'Arcy ist am 26. Juni 2026 nach kurzer Krankheit verstorben. Wir sind dankbar, dass wir dieses Gespräch mit ihm führen durften, und widmen diese Episode seinem Andenken.ShownotesWenn Geschichte brennt – Nordirlands BonfiresMeterhohe Türme aus Holzpaletten, Feuer, Märsche und Fahnen: Rund um den 12. Juli sind die Bonfires in vielen Teilen Nordirlands kaum zu übersehen.Doch hinter den Feuern steckt eine Geschichte, die weit über den eigentlichen Brauch hinausgeht.In dieser Folge sprechen wir mit dem irischen Historiker Bartle D'Arcy über die Bonfires, die Orange Order und die Frage, welche Bedeutung diese Traditionen im heutigen Nordirland noch haben.In dieser Episode geht es unter anderem um:den Wettbewerb um immer größere Bonfiresdie Gefahren der teilweise riesigen Feuerdie Geschichte des 12. Juli und der Battle of the Boynedie Orange Order und ihre lokalen Lodgesdie traditionellen Märsche in NordirlandUnionismus und protestantische Identitätdas schwierige Verhältnis zwischen Tradition und Sektierertumirische Fahnen, politische Symbole und Effigies auf Bonfiresneue Spannungen rund um MigrationReifen und andere Materialien in Bonfires und die Folgen für die UmweltOrange-Paraden in der Republik Irlanddie Frage, ob diese Traditionen eines Tages einfach Teil eines gemeinsamen irischen Kulturerbes sein könntenIm zweiten Teil unseres Gesprächs richten wir den Blick auf die Zukunft.Bartle spricht über das Power Sharing zwischen Nationalisten und Unionisten, über das Good Friday Agreement und die Möglichkeit eines Border Polls zur Zukunft Nordirlands.Dabei warnt er vor einer Entscheidung, die eine Gesellschaft ähnlich knapp spalten könnte wie das Brexit-Referendum. Ein United Ireland müsste seiner Ansicht nach mehr sein als eine Abstimmung über eine Grenze.Denn eine Vereinigung würde ganz konkrete Fragen aufwerfen: Wie lassen sich zwei Gesundheits- und Bildungssysteme zusammenführen? Was geschieht wirtschaftlich? Welche Rolle spielt die Europäische Union? Und wie können unionistische und protestantische Traditionen in einem gemeinsamen Irland ihren Platz behalten?Für Bartle liegt genau darin die eigentliche Zukunftsfrage.Viele Menschen hätten heute andere Sorgen als Konflikte, deren Ursprünge mehr als 300 Jahre zurückliegen. Wirtschaftliche und soziale Fragen würden zunehmend wichtiger.Und so wird aus einem Gespräch über Bonfires schließlich ein Gespräch über die Zukunft der gesamten Insel.In Erinnerung an Bartle D'ArcyUnser Gesprächspartner Bartle D'Arcy verstarb am 26. Juni 2026 nach kurzer Krankheit.Bartle war Historiker, Fremdenführer und ein leidenschaftlicher Vermittler irischer Geschichte. Wir sind dankbar, dass er sein Wissen, seine Sicht auf Irland und seine Gedanken über die Zukunft der Insel mit uns geteilt hat.Diese Episode ist seinem Andenken gewidmet.Rest in peace, Bartle.

On his first visit to Northern Ireland as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has said a referendum on a united Ireland "is off the table". Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald had some strong words for him following a meeting with Burnham.For more on this Anton spoke to Amanda Ferguson, Freelance Journalist based in Belfast.

A Border poll on a united Ireland is “off the table”, Andy Burnham has said on his first visit to Northern Ireland as UK prime minister. With reaction to this Anton spoke to DUP MP Gregory Campbell and also John Finucane, Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast.

A Border poll on a united Ireland is “off the table”, Andy Burnham has said on his first visit to Northern Ireland as UK prime minister. With reaction to this Anton spoke to DUP MP Gregory Campbell and also John Finucane, Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast.

On his first visit to Northern Ireland as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has said a referendum on a united Ireland "is off the table". Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald had some strong words for him following a meeting with Burnham.For more on this Anton spoke to Amanda Ferguson, Freelance Journalist based in Belfast.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that a referendum on a United Ireland is off the table while on his first official visit to Northern Ireland.Joining Ciara to discuss is Stephen Pound, Former Labour MP and former Northern Ireland Shadow Minister.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin's Senator Conor Murphy, a former NI economy minister, join Matt for a full discussion about the possibilities of a united Ireland. Is it the inevitability that some people are starting to suggest, who actually wants it, and would a citizens' assembly be helpful for preparations in the Republic? The potential economic benefits and challenges assessed. Do the polls give us an accurate representation of public sentiment? How we can learn from German reunification. The British perspective if Reform come to power. And how do we manage to persuade the more extreme elements of loyalism?Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the weekend of the World Cup final, Eamon Dunphy is our weekend guest. Dunphy reflects on his astonishing career in journalism, the price he paid for being an outsider and why he didn't care when he left the RTE panel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Campbell is presenting. Also, fears for MPs' security after Ann Widdecombe murder

Jerry spoke to Kerry Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly.

Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein President, on the party's Bill which would significantly raise preparations for the event of a United Ireland.

Sinn Féin has tabled a Bill which, if accepted, would compel the Government to examine the implications of Irish unity.Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald joins The Last Word to discuss why her party believes now is the time to start preparing for a referendum on a united Ireland.Catch the full chat by pressing 'Play' button on this page!

Sinn Féin's proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity.Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O'Farrell calls for urgent action on bail reform.And in the UK, Nigel Farage triggers another by-election after resigning as an MP — only to seek re-election again amid questions over his political future.Shane Coleman was joined by:James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein Emma DeSouza, Journalist Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust Anna Gross, Political correspondent, Financial Times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ hears the heartwarming story of Féile O'Sullivan's incredible journey, asks is it time for the government to plan for unity and learns some taxis are avoiding short trips. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, we've been told that certain cultural traditions are relics of the past, destined to fade away as Northern Ireland moves towards a different future.But what happens when even critics begin to acknowledge the strength of the community, identity and belonging that exist within those traditions?In this episode of Made to Parade, Glenn explores the growing recognition of unionist and loyalist cultural identity and asks whether the narrative of an "inevitable future" stands up to scrutiny when confronted with the reality of living, breathing communities.Drawing on culture, politics, history and previous conversations with sociologist Colin Coulter, this episode examines:

Cúpla FocalI often quote the late Seán Mac Goill. Seán was one of the visionaries who gave us the new Bombay Street after the pogroms of 1969, the urban Gaeltacht on Bóthar Seoighe, The Andersonstown News and many other outstanding projects going back to the 1960s. Seán and his peers and their families were immersed in the Irish language and the wider cultural revolution across Belfast. It was they who laid the foundations for today's revival and successes. Seán's name is immortalised in the Gael Ionad Mhic Gioll in Ballymurphy, home of Glór na Móna, the outstanding Irish language organisation. Britain's shameful role in the NakbaOn May 15 Palestinians across Palestine and throughout their diaspora commemorate the ‘Nakba' or the ‘catastrophe' of 1948. In that year Zionist militias commenced a systematic assault on Palestinian towns and villages creating fear and displacement. Massacres occurred daily and in a short time 800,000 Palestinians became refugees in their own place. The Nakba is ongoing. It is taking place now in the west Bank, in Lebanon and in the Gaza Strip.Fianna Fáil – A centenary of failureLast Saturday the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin marked the centenary of that party. At its foundation in 1926 meeting it was agreed that the party would be titled ‘Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party.'Its principal aim was defined as ‘Securing the political independence of a United Ireland as a republic.'That was the basis on which Fianna Fáil first entered government in 1932. But in the decades to follow nothing was done to advance that aim. On the contrary when in government every effort was made to thwart unity, including through the imprisonment and execution of republican political prisoners and the abandonment of nationalists living in the North under an apartheid unionist regime.

PJ talks to one of the speakers at the meeting Kathleen Funchion MEP which is being held at at Fri May 8th at 7:00 PM in the Clayton Silversprings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sinn Féin are still top of the polls north and south – but all polls show the party has lost ground. Many commentators think Sinn Féin have lost their direction and sense of purpose. So - has Sinn Féin really lost its mojo and what can it do about it? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by politics lecturer and commentator David McCann to discuss what Sinn Féin will have to do to hold its ground ahead of the 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage is back in the headlines, and this time it's not Brexit or boats, but bitcoin. As the Reform UK leader dabbles in a new cryptocurrency venture, his political stock is rising too, with polls suggesting his path to power is no longer entirely far-fetched. So, what's really happening in British politics? And why is Farage interested in us here in Ireland? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Enda BradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Armagh man and GAA president Jarlath Burns is ea aoi na seachtaine seo ar an bpodchraoladh. What role does culture and GAA play in reconciliation? How can we bridge the gaps in our societies with sport and what does it mean to be an Ulster man? Na ceisteanna seo agus tuilleadh á phlé ag Uachtarán an CLG. In October 2025, BBC NI published a podcast series, Borderland, that tackled the question of Irish unity. While the series explored both sides of the argument on the question of unity, there was one clear agreement. It's time for the south to seriously engage with the Northern question if there is to be any real debate on the possibility of a united Ireland. Notre Dame University are also running a major research project investigating the constitutional future of Ireland called ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South) that probs these questions.   This limited series in an answer to this work and looks to further the conversation amongst ordinary young people in the south. Shockingly, only 22% of southerners have made repeat trips north of the border so what do we really know about life in the North? What would a United Ireland look like? Is it something we really want? What does a modern Ireland for all look like? What are the concessions we would have to make and can we make them? This series looks to engage with the question of the North beyond the romantic notions ask practical questions of the south. How do we go about building a united Ireland for all? HOW TO GAEL: LE GEALAÍ Baile Átha Cliath: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketmaster.ie/how-to-gael-dublin-05-04-2026/event/1800638AD058E413⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bonus content ar fáil ar Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/HowToGael⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bí i dteagmháil linn! Ríomhphost: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠howtogael@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suíomh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.howtogael.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/howtogael/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@howtogael⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Cwb.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ceist na Gaeilge agus ceist an chultúir in Éire Aontaithe atá faoi chaibidil an tseachtain seo. PhD candidate and Cork woman Róisín Nic Liam joins Doireann agus Louise this week to discuss her research on the Irish-language reclamation movement since the Good Friday Agreement (1998) and the role colonial legacies and systems play in our society. In October 2025 BBC NI published a podcast series, Borderland, that tackled the question of Irish unity. While the series explored both sides of the argument on the question of unity, there was one clear agreement. It's time for the south to seriously engage with the Northern question if there is to be any real debate on the possibility of a united Ireland. Notre Dame University are also running a major research project investigating the constitutional future of Ireland called ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South) that probs these questions.   This limited series in an answer to this work and looks to further the conversation amongst ordinary young people in the south. Shockingly, only 22% of southerners have made repeat trips north of the border so what do we really know about life in the North? What would a United Ireland look like? Is it something we really want? What does a modern Ireland for all look like? What are the concessions we would have to make and can we make them? This series looks to engage with the question of the North beyond the romantic notions ask practical questions of the south. How do we go about building a united Ireland for all? HOW TO GAEL: LE GEALAÍ Corcaigh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://corkpodcastfestival.ie/how-to-gael/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Baile Átha Cliath: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketmaster.ie/how-to-gael-dublin-05-04-2026/event/1800638AD058E413⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bonus content ar fáil ar Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/HowToGael⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bí i dteagmháil linn! Ríomhphost: ⁠⁠⁠⁠howtogael@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suíomh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.howtogael.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/howtogael/⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@howtogael⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Cwb.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is probably no one better than Belfast man, Sam McBride to discuss the possibility of unification. His recent book, For and Against a United Ireland was one of the big influences on this series. He is the Northern Ireland Editor of the Belfast Telegraph and the Sunday Independent newspapers. He also writes on Northern Ireland for The Economist. He is a former Political Editor of the Belfast News Letter and has made a BBC film about the Northern Bank robbery. He is author of The Sunday Times bestseller Burned: The Inside Story of the 'Cash-for-Ash' Scandal and Northern Ireland's Secretive New Elite and is a regular broadcaster. In October 2025 BBC NI published a podcast series, Borderland, that tackled the question of Irish unity. While the series explored both sides of the argument on the question of unity, there was one clear agreement. It's time for the south to seriously engage with the Northern question if there is to be any real debate on the possibility of a united Ireland. Notre Dame University are also running a major research project investigating the constitutional future of Ireland called ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South) that probs these questions.   This limited series in an answer to this work and looks to further the conversation amongst ordinary young people in the south. Shockingly, only 22% of southerners have made repeat trips north of the border so what do we really know about life in the North? What would a United Ireland look like? Is it something we really want? What does a modern Ireland for all look like? What are the concessions we would have to make and can we make them? This series looks to engage with the question of the North beyond the romantic notions ask practical questions of the south. How do we go about building a united Ireland for all? HOW TO GAEL: LE GEALAÍ Corcaigh: ⁠⁠⁠https://corkpodcastfestival.ie/how-to-gael/⁠⁠⁠ Baile Átha Cliath: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketmaster.ie/how-to-gael-dublin-05-04-2026/event/1800638AD058E413⁠⁠⁠ Bonus content ar fáil ar Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/HowToGael⁠⁠⁠ Bí i dteagmháil linn! Ríomhphost: ⁠⁠⁠howtogael@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Suíomh: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.howtogael.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/howtogael/⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@howtogael⁠ ⁠Cwb.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first question on everyones lips when we talk about a United Ireland is money. How much will it cost us and how will we pay for it? To give us an overview of what the economics of unity might look like we sit down with Stephen Kinsella Professor of Economics at the University of Limerick and member of the Irish Government's AI Advisory Council and an Economic Advisor to the Tánaiste, Simon Harris. In October 2025 BBC NI published a podcast series, Borderland, that tackled the question of Irish unity. While the series explored both sides of the argument on the question of unity, there was one clear agreement. It's time for the south to seriously engage with the Northern question if there is to be any real debate on the possibility of a united Ireland. Notre Dame University are also running a major research project investigating the constitutional future of Ireland called ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South) that probs these questions.   This limited series in an answer to this work and looks to further the conversation amongst ordinary young people in the south. Shockingly, only 22% of southerners have made repeat trips north of the border so what do we really know about life in the North? What would a United Ireland look like? Is it something we really want? What does a modern Ireland for all look like? What are the concessions we would have to make and can we make them? This series looks to engage with the question of the North beyond the romantic notions ask practical questions of the south. How do we go about building a united Ireland for all? HOW TO GAEL: LE GEALAÍ Corcaigh: ⁠⁠⁠https://corkpodcastfestival.ie/how-to-gael/⁠⁠⁠ Baile Átha Cliath: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ticketmaster.ie/how-to-gael-dublin-05-04-2026/event/1800638AD058E413⁠⁠⁠ Bonus content ar fáil ar Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/HowToGael⁠⁠⁠ Bí i dteagmháil linn! Ríomhphost: ⁠⁠⁠howtogael@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Suíomh: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.howtogael.com/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/howtogael/⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@howtogael⁠ ⁠Cwb.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The How to Gael podcast has been driving conversations through and about the Irish language and they've just launched their (not contentious at all) ‘How To Unite Ireland?' podcast.The six-part series features some big Irish names including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and GAA President Jarlath Burns.Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss the podcast is one of its hosts, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.

Earlier, Ciara and Shane spoke with Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Host of the How To Gael Podcast on their new six-part series of the podcast which tackles the question ‘How to Unite Ireland?'For more on this, Ciara is joined by Trevor Ringland, former unionist politician & former Irish rugby player.

In the first episode of our new series, we're sitting down with Taoiseach na hÉireann Micheál Martin to talk all things shared island, modern republicanism and asking if unity is realistic or romantic? In October 2025 BBC NI published a podcast series, Borderland, that tackled the question of Irish unity. While the series explored both sides of the argument on the question of unity, there was one clear agreement. It's time for the south to seriously engage with the Northern question if there is to be any real debate on the possibility of a united Ireland. Notre Dame University are also running a major research project investigating the constitutional future of Ireland called ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South) that probs these questions.   This limited series in an answer to this work and looks to further the conversation amongst ordinary young people in the south. Shockingly, only 22% of southerners have made repeat trips north of the border so what do we really know about life in the North? What would a United Ireland look like? Is it something we really want? What does a modern Ireland for all look like? What are the concessions we would have to make and can we make them? This series looks to engage with the question of the North beyond the romantic notions ask practical questions of the south. How do we go about building a united Ireland for all? HOW TO GAEL: LE GEALAÍ Corcaigh: ⁠⁠https://corkpodcastfestival.ie/how-to-gael/⁠⁠ Baile Átha Cliath: ⁠⁠https://www.ticketmaster.ie/how-to-gael-dublin-05-04-2026/event/1800638AD058E413⁠⁠ Bonus content ar fáil ar Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/HowToGael⁠⁠ Bí i dteagmháil linn! Ríomhphost: ⁠⁠howtogael@gmail.com⁠⁠ Suíomh: ⁠⁠https://www.howtogael.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/howtogael/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@howtogael Cwb.ie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The story of Casement Park is a metaphor for post conflict Northern Ireland.Once there was a dream about a shining stadium on a hill, a stadium which would benefit everyone in the north when it hosted matches at the European Championships in 2028.Two years ago, that dream ended when the British government said they would not fund the cost of the stadium which had ‘risen dramatically' during years of obstruction and resistance. The benefit to all communities of Euro 2028 was gone but for some it mattered more that a GAA stadium would not be built. On Free State we look at what the ongoing battle to build Casement tells us about Northern Ireland. Gordon Lyons, the minister responsible, says there is a ‘funding gap'. But is the real chasm something more fundamental? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oliver speaks to Ian Paisley Jnr about life after politics, why he thinks no one in the Republic really wants a United Ireland, and his trip to Dublin last week to cheer on Ireland in the rugby.

English nationalism will destroy the UKNick Cohen talks with Lowdown regular, author and historian James Hawes, about the on-going damage wrought on the UK by English nationalists and their failed Brexit project. Now current polls indicate that the same nationalist charlatans look likely to take power at the next general election. James said a Whitehall mandarin's prediction of the future break-up of the UK after the next election is looking increasingly likely: Labour has failed to solve the insoluble shitshow of Brexit - making it ever more likely that a radical right party reform UK led by Nigel Farage - will take power at the next election. This new resurgence of extreme English nationalism along with its loony unworkable policies will be rejected by the people of Northern Ireland and Scotland - and possibly even Wales - and calls for secession from the UK by constituent nations could soon become deafening.Northern Ireland will be the first to leave a failing United Kingdom to escape Farage & coBoth Nick and James agree - Brexit has become like the mad relative squirrelled away in the attic by the embarrassed Victorian family. James predicts Northern Ireland/Ulster will want soon want to unite with the now much richer Republic of Ireland rather than face an increasingly impoverished and culture war-wracked future at the hands of incompetent English and divisive nationalists. Scotland will likely follow suit- dumping Labour for the Scottish nationalists. The future of the United Kingdom has never looked so bleak.Read all about it! James Hawes @jameshawes2 Renaissance man, historian, writer and novelist. James, the author of The Shortest History of England and The Shortest History of Germany. His latest in the series, The Shortest History of Ireland, is out next month.Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormont should not be treated as a “soft-play area” for politicians, the SDLP leader Claire Hanna has said in an in-depth interview with the BelTel podcast. In it, she gave her views on Irish unity, on Stormont reform and on the SDLP's chances of recovery. Claire Hanna became the leader of the SDLP unopposed in October 2024 having been an MP for south Belfast since 2019. Many commentators say the SDLP has been more stridently pro-unity under Hanna's leadership. Does she agree? Can she square making Northern Ireland work with not wanting it at all? And can she turn around the SDLP's long-term decline. Claire Hanna, joined Ciarán Dunbar on the BelTel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Pat Kenny's move to weekends at the beginning of March, we've delved into the archives to bring you some of the best pieces from his dozen-and-a-half years of mornings on Newstalk.Ireland and Britain's relationship is as intertwined as it has so often been violent and traumatic. In these Divided Isles, the award-winning author and journalist Philip Stephens charts the dramatic century since the political leaders David Lloyd George, Michael Collins, Winston Churchill and Éamonn De Valera alongside those of millions of Irish emigrants. With the complicated relationship between Ireland and Britain, could it ever end up with a United Ireland? All to discuss with Philip Stephens - Writer, Historian and Author of 'In These Divided Isles'.

Upcoming EventsTá Scoil Gheimhridh Uí Chadhain, i gcomhar le Conradh na Gaeilge agus Glór na Móna, ag óstáil plé ar an Ghaeilge agus ar aontú na hÉireann Dé hAoine seo ag a haon a chlog sa Chultúrlann.In addition, Scoil Gheimhridh Uí Chadhain is hosting another discussion this Saturday at 11am on Protestants & a United Ireland, featuring Claire Mitchell and Dr Robbie McVeigh.Sinn Féin's Commission is hosting a people's assembly in Cork, on the 19th February 7pm at Rochestown Park Hotel. Bígí Linn. South & East Belfast Sinn Féin is hosting an evening discussion on what a world class, all-Ireland health system could look like and how we make it a reality. Chaired by Deirdre Hargey MLA, with Guest speaker David Cullinane TD and joined by panellists from across the health sector. The event will take place on the 12th of February 7pm at the Malone Lodge. Self-Determination and Democratic RightsFor decades now I have argued that self-determination is one of the big issues of our time. In 2005 I wrote: “In my view the big international struggle of our time is to assert democratic control by people over the decisions which affect their lives. This does not mean retreating behind existing borders and refusing contact with the outside world, but it does mean reasserting the primacy of democracy and working together in order to pursue this objective.”Mickey Brady – A Cheerful Change Maker. Mickey Brady, former Sinn Féin MLA and MP for Newry and Armagh died last week. His sudden death came as a great shock to his family and to all of us who knew and respected him. I had the great fortune to work closely with Mickey in the Assembly and I often campaigned with him during elections. Some people are really good canvassing during elections. They have that way of engaging with people on the streets and at the doorstep and Mickey was a master at it.He was always positive. He knew the issues impacting on people and he could speak from his years of experience as an elected representative and as a champion for their rights through his work in the Newry Welfare Rights centre.Report on Rural Health in a New Ireland publishedSinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland last week published its latest report - ‘Delivering Rural Health and Care in a New Ireland.' The public event took place in Enniskillen in November.A packed hall heard from a panel of health activists, including Pat Cullen MP, Fr. Brian D'Arcy – writer and broadcaster, Paula Leonard, CEO of Alcohol Ireland and Denzil McDaniel, author and former editor of The Impartial Reporter. The discussion and report examines the challenges faced by rural communities trying to access all-Ireland cardiac services, autism services, cancer provision, suicide support services and A&E.It makes no sense that we run two entirely separate health systems trying to solve the same problems. The report of the Enniskillen Assembly can be accessed in English and Irish here: www.sinnfein.ie/futureofireland 

Dr. Roddy Flynn, Associate Professor at the School of Communications at Dublin City University, discusses a new report which advocates for the creation of a new public service broadcaster, in the event of a united Ireland.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this echo chamber podcast, I'm joined by Prof of Human Rights and Law at QUB, Colin Harvey, to talk about the potential of a new United Ireland. We discuss the work that has already taken place, the conversations that are being held and the ways in which governments need to step up. The Constantin Gurdgiev podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-145972391 The Leilani Farha Podcast is here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-144371201 Support Dignity for Palestine here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/call-to-stand-143037542

Jessa and Nico return from their visit to Ireland. All along the way, the subject of whether or not Ireland should be united kept coming up. But beyond the slogans and the bad ideas, there are very real issues at work, tedious and boring but also tremendously consequential. Nico reflects on the influence the Northern Ireland peace agreement had on Colombian politics, Jessa discusses how social media creates a false sense of consensus, and they both worry about our decreased ability to manage complexity in political issues. Shownotes and references: http://theculturewedeserve.substack.com

Can you be a unionist and be in favour of a United Ireland?Well Seán's guest certainly was a unionist, and has written a book called ‘The Irish Unity Dividend'.Ben Collins joins to discuss.

Jerry spoke to former Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Labour Party leader, Dick Spring, who was also a long-serving TD for North Kerry.

This week's Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan explores what a united Ireland would actually involve, Irish Times columnist Fintan O'Toole and Belfast Telegraph journalist Sam McBride have written a new book that addresses the case both for and against Irish unity.The structure of the book is unusual. Each journalist writes two long chapters: one arguing for unity, and one arguing against. O'Toole says the aim is to “give people a sense of what a decent argument looks like”. Too often, he suggests, the subject becomes a referendum about identity rather than a discussion of consequences. McBride agrees, saying most people “don't get beyond the binary of are you for or against it” even though “none of us know what it would mean”.Practical questions run through the book: healthcare integration, welfare harmonisation, education, taxation and policing. McBride stresses the range of possible constitutional models. Northern Ireland could remain semi-autonomous within a united Ireland; or the island could adopt a more federal structure. “We don't even know the most basic elements of this,” he says.Their conclusion is that everyone on the island will soon need to make an informed choice. And that requires informed understanding, not simplistic assumptions.For and Against a United Ireland is published by the Royal Irish Academy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The conversation around a united Ireland is an increasingly noisy one, with passionate arguments found on both sides of the debate. Now, two journalists – Sam McBride of the Belfast Telegraph and Fintan O'Toole of the Irish Times – have come together for a new book entitled For and Against a United Ireland. On this episode of The Indo Daily brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel, both men engage in a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of unification. Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guests: Sam McBride and Fintan O'Toole See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adh Mór CatherineThe Presidential election is on Friday. Many of you reading this column or listening to it on social media platforms, will not have a vote. But some of you will. So, I am asking you to cast your first preference for Catherine Connolly and to encourage everyone else to do the same. The last week has seen a significant increase in negative campaigning against Catherine by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and by the establishment media.Why has Catherine Connolly, who most of the media ignored during her time as a TD, become the bête noire of the establishment? Is it because she has unashamedly challenged Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on their appalling record in government – on health, on homelessness, on the cost-of-living crisis, and on carers? Is it because of her fluency in the Irish language? Is it because she has defended neutrality and condemned genocide against the Palestinian people? Is it because of her support for a United Ireland.Hiding the TruthLast Sunday was the anniversary of the imposition on 19 October 1988 of the broadcasting ban by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.  Prior to that    censorship in one form or another had operated in the North and in Britain, and also in the 26 counties. The rational for this had long been the desire of the two governments to deny citizens their right to information. In this way it was easier to promote the establishment's narrative.In Ireland the British media strategy had its roots in Britain's colonial experience. But it was especially influenced by the writings in the late 1960s of General Frank Kitson who believed that all governmental structures; the judiciary, the law, the police and the media, must be part of a co-ordinated strategy to defeat ‘the enemy' while suppressing citizens and their rights.Legacy Bill deeply flawedPresented by the Irish and British governments as the resolution to the long running legacy issue the ‘Northern Ireland Troubles Bill' is anything but that. Once again the British government, with the support of the Irish government, is introducing a legal structure that provides the British state with the means to deny the truth to families.Under draft legislation, drawn from the two governments Framework Agreement, the British Secretary of State will have the power to withhold information from families and inquests; from the information retrieval body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (CRIR), and from the new Legacy Commission. In addition, agencies like MI5 will have the power to vet all reports. The British Secretary of State will also be able to make various regulations and guidance, including the power to make an award to cover legal representation/expenses etc. for participation in inquisitorial proceedings.Comhghairdeas Naomh EoinWell done to Naomh Eoin's Senior hurlers. Crowned Antrim Champions on Sunday after six semi-final defeats in seven years and after a dogged battle with Loughgiel the Johnnies are hurling Kings of the county. Well done to all the hurlers, the Management and support staff, the Club Committee and every one in Saint Johns.  

William is joined by the Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows and the SDLP's Matthew O'Toole.

Ian Paisley Jr says he might be open to persuasive arguments over a United Ireland. The DUP says it is not interested in engaging or being persuaded on ‘the so called merits' of a United Ireland.On Free State today, we ask what does this tell us about the worthy concept of reconciliation and is it now effectively a unionist veto on a United Ireland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Aer Lingus College Football Classic last month and Ireland's first NFL game at the end of this one, Neale Richmond kicks off the episode with a timely gridiron tale.“I'm not just a very old and average rugby player, but I'm the only member of the Irish Parliament who's played American football. I was a defensive tackle for the Dublin Rebels and proud holder of a Shamrock Bull medal from 2016,” says the Fine Gael TD for the Dublin Rathdown constituency and Ireland's Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora.The sport-mad Minister shares examples of the ways these imported American events boost Ireland's economy and provide an ideal platform to advance his ministerial goals of fostering stronger international relations, diaspora engagement, and economic growth.He tells of growing up in a Protestant family with Ulster-Scots roots, right down to his Orange Order grandfather, which hasn't blunted his fatherly pride in his son's embrace of Gaelic Football and the Irish language or his own commitment to a united Ireland.“I'm a passionate United Irelander. I want our country to be united as an independent republic, as part of the European Union. I think that it's in the interest of the over 7.2 million people of all backgrounds that live on this island,” he says, adding, “but one thing I'm really very clear about is that United Ireland will be different. It'll be a new Ireland; it won't be like the republic that I proudly live in today.”He highlights the significance of Ireland's international aid programs particularly in Africa, the evolution of Ireland's diaspora, and the necessity of supporting Irish citizens abroad, including the extension of voting rights for the diaspora in presidential elections.He wraps with an unorthodox “Seamus Plug” for the United Nations, saying that despite its problems, the UN provides a critical forum for international dialogue and that the work of its agencies for Human Rights, Refugees, Family Planning for Women, and its World Food Program all remain vital.Join us!Links:Fine Gael WebpageInstagramFacebookX LinkedInEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 27; Total Episode Count: 130