Podcasts about United Ireland

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'.

In this episode of ‘My Identity' Professor Colin Graham (Maynooth) is in conversation with Queen's University Belfast students James Tourish and Rea Thien. Following the publication of For and Against a United Ireland by Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride, ARINS held two sold out events in collaboration with the Lyric Theatre, Belfast. The first of these was an interactive debate for school pupils and university students. Colin met with James and Rea immediately after the event, recording this conversation on site at the Lyric to capture their reactions and discuss their thoughts about the event and the book. James is in his second year studying Politics and International Relations at QUB, he identifies as coming from an Irish Nationalist background having grown up in Derry. Rea recently graduated from Law and Politics at QUB and grew up in Southern California. The My Identity series is hosted by Professor Colin Graham, Maynooth. In this series, Colin is in conversation with a range of people whose ideas, work and life experiences shed light on the topic of identity on the Island of Ireland. My Identity is part of the ARINS project. Colin Graham is Professor English and formerly Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Maynooth University. His books include Northern Ireland: Thirty Years of Photography, Deconstructing Ireland and Ideologies of Epic. He was editor of The Irish Review from 2004 to 2020. During the Brexit negotiations he created the Twitter account @borderirish(opens in a new tab) and wrote the book I am the Border, so I am, published by HarperCollins. ARINS: Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South brings together experts to provide evidence-based research and analysis on the most significant questions of policy and public debate facing the island of Ireland, north and south. The project publishes, facilitates and disseminates research on the challenges and opportunities presented to the island in a post-Brexit context, with the intention of contributing to an informed public discourse. More information can be found at WWW.ARINSPROJECT.COM(opens in a new tab) ARINS is a joint project of The Royal Irish Academy, an all-island body, and the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. My Identity is hosted by Professor Colin Graham. Podcast management and production by Dr Susie Deedigan (University of Notre Dame). With thanks to Conor Patterson and Morgan Blain-Crehan, The Spinner's Mill, Belfast.

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

Laura is joined by Aontú leader Peadar Toibín TD. They discuss Laura's skepticism of, and Peadar's enthusiasm for, a United Ireland. Would a United Ireland be more British? Would there be economic benefits? How will unionism find a home in a new Ireland? A spicy hour:

Danny Morrison was once Sinn Féin's publicity director - well-known for the phrase ‘a ballot box in one hand and an Armalite in the other'. Now, he's no longer involved in front-line politics and is better known as a writer. His latest work is an updated memoir entitled ‘All the Dead voices', which was originally released in 2002. Danny Morrison joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

In this month's ARINS podcast, host Rory Montgomery chat to Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride about their recent ARINS publication: 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. With cartoons by Fergus Boylan. The book has been shortlisted for An Post Book Award 2025 - BEST IRISH-PUBLISHED BOOK OF THE YEAR. See shortlist Book tickets to see the authors debate the strongest arguments for and against a united Ireland in The Lyric Theatre, Belfast and The National Concert Hall, Dublin in November 2025! --- This is episode 47 of a podcast series that provides evidence-based research and analysis on the most significant questions of policy and public debate facing the island of Ireland, north and south. Host Rory Montgomery, MRIA, talks to authors of articles on topics such as cross border health co-operation; the need to regulate social media in referendums, education, cultural affairs and constitutional questions and the imperative for good data and the need to carry out impartial research. ARINS: Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South brings together experts to provide evidence-based research and analysis on the most significant questions of policy and public debate facing the island of Ireland, north and south. The project publishes, facilitates and disseminates research on the challenges and opportunities presented to the island in a post-Brexit context, with the intention of contributing to an informed public discourse. More information can be found at www.arinsproject.com ARINS is a joint project of The Royal Irish Academy, an all-island body, and the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs.

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.

On this episode of #TheGlobalExchange, Colin Robertson sits down with Ben Collins to discuss his new book, The Irish Unity Dividend. // Participants' bios Ben Collins is a Belfast-based author and communications consultant and contributer to Policy Magazine. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. // Reading Recommendations: - "The Irish Unity Dividend" by Ben Collins "'The Irish Unity Dividend': The Pragmatic Case for a United Ireland" by Colin Robertson // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll // Recording Date: October 22, 2025 Release date: October 27, 2025

Rear Admiral Chris Parry, former NATO

United Ireland would pose threat to Britain from Russia, that's according to Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry former NATO commander who joined on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

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.  

On Thursday, Matt spoke to journalists Fintan O'Toole & Sam McBride about the release of their new book “For and Against a United Ireland”.If it came to pass, what would a united Ireland look like? How much of a role would history and religion play for a generation of people who grew up after the Good Friday Agreement came into effect?Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear what Fintan & Sam had to say.

The prospect of a United Ireland is becoming an increasingly regular point of discussion, with the concessions that must be made for a new Ireland being central to this.One such concession being dual citizenship on the island, as protected under the Good Friday Agreement for those of Northern Irish birth.If this right is afforded to those born in the six counties, should it also be granted to those born in the remaining twenty-six?Paul Gosling, author of ‘A New Ireland: A Five Year Review' and Emma De Souza, Writer and Political Commentator join Ciara Doherty to discuss.

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

'Many people in the south have no northern friends'Some clinging to the NHS... but people live longer under Republic's systemHow can you argue for and against anything at the same time?The ‘conversation' on a united Ireland is now constant, whether it's wanted or not. Despite unionists and others saying campaigning for a border poll is not appropriate, nationalists continue to push for it. Sam McBride and Fintan O'Toole are amongst the island of Ireland's best-known journalists. They have written a new book entitled ‘For and against a united Ireland', in which they both write a chapter making the case for and against unity. They joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Mark Carruthers speaks to Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride about their new book debating for and against a united Ireland.

Victim of rapist, now on the run, asks why his image was not released sooner by PSNI.

Jerry got the views of Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Ferris and of Malachi O’Doherty, author, broadcaster and Belfast Telegraph columnist.

A Clare TD claims a United Ireland would reunite families and allow displaced Shannon residents to reconnect with their ancestral home. The Taoiseach has poured cold water on suggestions a poll on Irish unity will be held before 2030, saying more time is needed to prepare and to unite people across the island. The Good Friday Agreement states that a border poll should be called by the Northern Ireland secretary when they believe there is evidence that public opinion in the six counties has shifted in favour of change. Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she's observed appetite for reunification in her hometown and throughout the county.

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

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'.

Various listeners are concerned about the efficiency of the BreastCheck screening programme.Marie and Fiona tell us about their respective lives in the Navy and engineering. Callers share their opinions on whether or not a united Ireland is a good idea.

Nathan Murphy joins Eoin Sheahan as the worldwide football scene gets going again, as Crystal Palace beat Liverpool in the Community Shield, there's a huge week ahead for League of Ireland sides in Europe, and the Premier League kicks back up again this Friday.Football on Off The Ball w/ William Hill. Please Gamble Responsibly. 18+.To become a member and access our exclusive content simply click: here:http://offtheball.com/join

No Economic Block on Irish UnityIn recent years there have been encouraging signs of growing support for Irish unity in successive electoral results, demographic changes, contributions from civic society, in opinion polling and in public commentary. Unsurprisingly, any debate on unity quickly focuses on practical issues like the economic viability of a united Ireland as well as on the future of a health and care system, governance structures, education, the environment and other matters.Sinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland recently held a successful conference examining the issue of health in a new Ireland and the party produced a widely welcomed health and care document looking to a future all-island model. It is available at  https://sinnfein.ie/the-case-for-an-irish-national-health-and-care-service/And now we have the report by Professor John Doyle of Dublin City University – ‘The Projected Public Finances of the Early Years of a United Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Subvention.' The report is the product of joint research by Dublin City University and Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre. It succeeds in cutting through much of the jargon associated with economics to present a cogent explanation of the economic benefits of a united Ireland.The Future of the GPOMicheál Martin's ten-year plan for the GPO site in Dublin is shameful. His effort to sell the plan as a flagship project for Dublin City Centre, that will protect the historic and cultural significance of the GPO, was described by the Irish Times as “vague and ill-defined.” Mary Lou McDonald and others have been much more vocal and direct in their condemnation of the government's plans. Martin's proposal, for example, that the upper floors of the GPO will be turned into office space, makes no sense when much of the available office space in central Dublin is currently unused and vacant.The reality is that the GPO holds a special place in the nation's soul. It may have been a Post Office for all of its two hundred years but it is more than just another of those Dublin buildings that reflect the capitals colonial past. It is acknowledged by generations of Irish people as the birthplace of the Republic, as envisaged in the Proclamation. For over one hundred years it has symbolised the hopes, aspirations and vision of that historic document and of the courage of the men and women who risked everything in April 1916.World Premier in Galway of ‘A Ballymurphy Man'This weekend I will be in Galway for the 37th annual international Galway Film Fleadh/Festival. The Fleadh runs for a week every July.  This year it's between 8 July and 13 July. It was established in 1989 as a place for Irish filmmakers to exhibit their work to their peers.  This year it will host World, International and Irish Premieres in the Town Hall Theatre and Pálás Cinema.It will feature 31 World Premieres, 11 International/European Premieres and 46 Irish Premieres from 44 countries, featuring 96 feature films in totalJoin the campaign to “Save the GPO”. Sign the petition which calls for the development of a 1916 Cultural Quarter in the area around the GPO, O'Connell Street and Moore Street and the implementation of the Moore Street Preservation Trust plan. We must fight to save the GPO together.Sign the petition here:

Also - Translink ban Smartpass use if you plan to travel on special services to The Open

For this episode I'm joined by a man well known ex-loyalist paramilitary and one-time leader of the Lower Shankill Road's infamous UDA (Ulster Defence Association), Johnny Adair.Johnny speaks about his growing up in Belfast during some of it's most turbulent and violent times, his lifelong friend with UDA k*ller Sam McCrory and he came to join, and later lead the Lower Shankill Road's UDA C- Company. We discussed his days as an active paramilitary, his many near brushes with death and how he viewed his opposition, the Provisional IRA and the INLA/IPLO. I asked Johnny his thoughts on C-Company's victims and whether he has any regrets looking back. We spoke about the RUC's many attempts to both jail him, which they eventually would, and to recruit him as an informant. Johnny shares his surprising thoughts on the republican hunger strikers who died in 1981, whether he himself would have been willing to do the same if called upon and what life is like for him now, living away from the city that he once saw himself a defender of.PLEASE HELP OUT THE SHOW IF YOU CAN SPARE IT.. THANK YOUhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodlistenerpodcast CONTACT THE SHOW: thegoodlistenerpodcast@gmail.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro 1:5 Thoughts on Kneecap member's charges? 9:45 United Ireland ?15:30 If Johnny went back to the Shankill 20:21 Growing Up 29:40 Sam “SKELLY” McCrory 37:45 Training (Brian Nelson, Ken Barrett 55:20 Did C- Company do “spur-of-the-moment-k*lls” ?1:06:40 DID C-COMP EVER EVEN INJURE OR K*LL ANY IRA MEN?1:25:00 INLA1:26:40 “House-takeovers” by UDA C-comp 1:30:45 John McMichael k*lling by the IRA 1:33:15 IRA ALMOST K*LL JOHNNY ADAIR 1:49:00 SHANKILL ROAD FISH SHOP B*MB1:53:00 Dr*g-dealing & Extortion ?1:55:10 GETTING CAUGHT & JAILED 1:59:40 Special Branch's attempts to recruit Johnny as an informant 2:12:00 PRISON 2:16:10 Johnny's respect for the IRA Hunger Strikers2:26:15 Loyalist Feud 2:31:05 Relationship w/ Skelly and Regrets/Remorse?

This episode of the Irish Stew Podcast  features a discussion with documentary filmmaker Alan Gilsenan  and journalist John Walsh about their film 'The Irish Question.' The film delves into the recent history of Ireland, the partition between North and South, and contemplates the concept of a United Ireland in the post-Brexit era. The conversation highlights the impact of Brexit, economic and cultural complexities, and the fragile peace established by the Good Friday Agreement. The episode also touches on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation as a foundational step towards any potential unification. Recorded at the Capital Irish Film Festival in association with Solas Nua, this discussion pays homage to diverse Irish identities and urges a deeper conversation on Ireland's future.LinksThe Irish Question (Trailer)Alan Gilsenan - DirectorWebsite: Yellow AsylumWikipediaTwitter / XJohn Walsh - WriterLinkedInBlueSkySolas NuaWebsiteEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 16; Total Episode Count: 119