Podcasts about United Ireland

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?

A little later this evening, Alison Spittle will be doing some devious debating and answering the question… what would a United Ireland look like if it really did happen?Others taking part in this mischief will be comedians from North and South of the border and one from across the Irish sea for good measure including Neil Delamere, Oliver Callan, Ashley Storrie and John Meagher.Together, the panel will be asking all the questions you want answered from flags and road signs to anthems and crisps; and putting together a fantasy football league of how they see it all playing out.Alison joins Kieran to discuss.

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

The political landscape across the island of Ireland has been changing over the past decade. Demographic changes, Brexit, polling data, and the realignment of traditional politics in the Oireachtas all point to the need to prepare for the increasing inevitability of substantial constitutional change in the future. Dialogue around the potential for a United Ireland has become more prevalent, particularly in Northern Ireland. In his address to the IIEA, Senator Conor Murphy discusses how this now requires more structured formal planning involving the Irish Government to ensure the necessary preparations are in place for a smooth transition in the event of constitutional change. Speaker bio: Conor Murphy was appointed as Sinn Féin Leader of the Seanad in February 2025. In 1998, after serving as a Newry and Mourne councillor for eight years, he was elected to the Assembly where he chaired the Assembly Committee, was the Party Chief Whip, and also held the position of Group Leader of the Sinn Féin MLAs. In 2005, Senator Murphy became the first Irish Republican to be elected as MP for Newry and Armagh, he then retained the seat in 2010. In 2007, Conor was appointed the Minister for Regional Development, a position that he held until 2011. In 2012, as part of Sinn Féin's commitment to ending double-jobbing, he left the Assembly to concentrate on his role as an MP.

How much focus does the government really have on the question of Irish Unity? Our reporter Peter O'Connell gauged opinion in Banbridge, Armagh, Warrenpoint and Newry. Then, we discuss the topic with Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University, and Mark Hennessy, Britain Editor for The Irish Times.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that he is “not planning” for a 2030 border poll. He's currently promoting his Shared Island Initiative – which some unionists fear is a trojan horse for Irish unity but others are comfortable with. Republicans have always been distrustful of the Fianna Fáil leader. Sam McBride recently sat down with the Taoiseach, producing an interview that has sparked debate, satisfaction, and anger - has Micheal Martin really ruled out unity?He joins Ciarán Dunbar to interpret what the Taoiseach thinks of a united Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of #TonightVMTV – The Government is set to shelve minimum wage plans and other worker benefits like extra paid sick leave, as it aims to shield the economy from a possible economic storm. We ask is there a divide emerging again in the treatment of private and public sector workers? We look at the cost of a United Ireland with a new survey showing a growing difference in living standards north and south of the border. Plus rise of the machines, we investigate the growing AI creep across your data and privacy and ask are the robots also coming for your job?Joining Kieran Cuddihy on the panel:Colm Brophy TD, Minister of StatePeadar Tóibin, TD, Leader AontúMick Clifford, Special Correspondent Irish ExaminerElaine Burke, For Tech's Sake Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who's NI's most popular politician? Has the gap between support for the Union and a United Ireland narrowed or widened? Frank got analysis from Prof Jon Tonge and Dr David McCann Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support for Irish unity has grown significantly in the past three years in Northern Ireland, though a clear majority remains in favour of remaining part of the United Kingdom, according to the latest opinion poll for The Irish Times and the ARINS Project.On today's Inside Politics podcast Hugh Linehan is joined by political editor Pat Leahy and Brendan O'Leary from the University of Pennsylvania to discuss the latest findings from the project, a study that explores attitudes to a possible future united Ireland.They discuss recent trends in public opinion regarding Irish reunification, the demographic shifts influencing the movement, and the prospects for planning and compromise in the face of potential unity.The conversation also covers the varying attitudes between the North and the Republic on issues like preparedness for a future United Ireland and whether NATO and Commonwealth membership should be adopted in the event of reunification. The North and South series is a collaboration between The Irish Times and ARINS (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South), a joint research project of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the Keough-Naughton Centre for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you support a United Ireland? Shane and Ciara discussed this morning.

Would you support a United Ireland? Shane and Ciara discussed this morning.

Unionists fiercely resist calls for a border poll for on a United Ireland, but that was not always the case. David Trimble campaigned for a poll in 2002 – secret files reveal he was dismissed. Newly released Dublin files reveal former taoiseach John Bruton was suspicious not only of Sinn Féin and the SDLP, but even his own Department of Foreign Affairs. Other files reveal a young John F Kennedy was happy enough with partition of Ireland and how Roger Casement was a source of controversy long after his execution. Ralph Reigel from the Irish Independent joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That’s the view of Sinn Féin Ireland South MEP, Kathleen Funcheon, who spoke to Jerry.

In this interview we talk to C. Crowle about the recently republished and expanded edition of Attack International's text The Spirit of Freedom: Anticolonial War & Uneasy Peace in Ireland. The new edition includes the original unabridged 1989 text by Attack International and some great supplementary material compiled by Crowle. The book is a concise and powerful text on the national liberation struggle in Ireland from the perspective of radicals in the UK. It's a text that challenges us to think critically about how people in an imperial center practice solidarity with the masses under the yoke of colonialism. We discuss different facets of the Irish context, including the revitalization of the armed movement in Ireland in the 1960's, the prisoner hunger strikes, and some of the different strands of Irish Nationalism and Ulster Unionism. We also talk about Attack International's critical analysis of the shortcomings, and problems with the anti-imperialist solidarity movement in Great Britain during the period of Irish armed struggle. This episode was recorded back on November 7th 2023 so while we discuss western liberalism, media and the western left with regards to Palestine, many of the questions we raised but didn't fully flesh out are topics we've covered more deeply since then. Having said that, one cannot help but ponder the resonances between the failures of the British left in supporting Irish liberation to the failures of the western left to materially impact the genocide on Palestinians & to support the Palestinian liberation struggle. We close by talking about the very real prospects for a United Ireland, what that might mean, and some of Crowle assessments of Irish Republicanism today. Kersplebedeb published this book, and their online bookstore is leftwingbooks.net. They are based in Canada, and are having a sale of 25% off during the Canada Post strike, because shipments will be delayed (solidarity to the striking postal workers). I highly encourage people to check out their catalogue, and in addition to The Spirit of Freedom, I will include some books I love from them in the show description.  We have a current discount for new patrons, you can get 20% off your first month if you sign up for a monthly membership, or off your first year if you sign up for a yearly membership by using the code A7E32 when you sign up on patreon.com/millennialsarekillingcapitalism. You also can now give a membership to our patreon as a gift if you know someone who would enjoy that this holiday season. We'll include a link for that in the show description as well  Our George Jackson Blood In My Eye study group will be available for patrons who support the show at any level. We are going to meet to discuss the book weekly on Thursday nights at 7:30 PM Eastern Time starting December 12th. Comrades from the George Jackson Organizing School will also join us for these discussions.  Links: The Spirit of Freedom: Anticolonial War & Uneasy Peace in Ireland Leftwingbooks.net Give the gift of a patreon subscription Use promo code A7E32 to get 20% off the first month (if you sign up for a monthly subscription) or year (if you sign up for yearly) at https://www.patreon.com/millennialsarekillingcapitalism Other conversations we've had on Ireland: Ireland, Colonialism and the Unfinished Revolution with Robbie McVeigh and Bill Rolston (Jared also references this book multiple times in the conversation) The Lost & Early Writings of James Connolly 1889-1898 with Conor McCabe Irish Women's Prison Writing: Mother Ireland's Rebels, 1960's-2010's with Red Washburn Books Casey references:  Three Way Fight Book  Confronting Fascism - Discussion Documents for a Militant Movement - A few book recommendations from Leftwingbooks/Kersplebedeb (there are many more, but these are just a few we love): On Necrocapitalism Riding the Wave - Torkil Lauesen A Soldier's Story - Kuwasi Balagoon Lumpen: The Autobiography of Ed Mead Stand Up, Struggle Forward - Sanyika Shakur Night Vision - Butch Lee & Red Rover Conversations we've held on Palestine that flesh out some of the points raised: The Question of Hamas and the Left by Abdaljawad Omar Western Theory and the Demonization of the Palestinian Resistance with Max Ajl Palestine & The Problem of Narrative with The Good Shepherd Collective Time for Autonomous Action for Palestine with Within Our Lifetime

What is Mary Lou McDonald's vision for a United Ireland? On the second part of a Free State Special, Mary Lou McDonald talks about the Ireland she believes in and the 32 county country she imagines.With half a million new voters added to the register this year, McDonald outlines how she wants to change Ireland. She explains what led Sinn Fein to alter their policy on immigration and why the far right protestors were not disenchanted Sinn Fein voters. Mary Lou also talks about her difficult relationship with her father and what she said to him before he died earlier this year.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new report by the ESRI on the Drivers of Income Inequality in the North and South has found some interesting economic details. One stat that came out from the report was that 80% of northern households receive more in benefits then they pay out in tax compared with around 60% here in the south.Joining Kieran to talk more about the implications of the report on a potential united Ireland is John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin and Research Affiliate at the ESRI.

In this month's ARINS podcast host Rory Montgomery discusses the paper 'Beyond unionism and nationalism: do the ‘neithers' want a border poll and a United Ireland?' with one of its authors, Jon Tonge, Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool. Read the article in full here: https://bit.ly/3XPHHkb This is episode 37 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.

"All trends point towards Irish unification in the next few decades". The words of Leo Varadkar who has called for all parties running for election to include a call for a United Ireland in their manifestos. We get reaction with Amanda Ferguson Belfast based Journalist and also Gary Murphy Professor of Politics, Dublin City University.

Pádraic FiaccThe first book I wrote was Falls Memories.  Brandon Books led by the late Steve Mac Donagh was my publisher. I asked Steve if we could  include drawings by Michael McKernon. I didn't know Michael but I was familiar with his fine line drawings.  Steve indulged me, Michael obliged and Falls Memories was produced, enhanced by his artistry. That was decades ago. In 1990.Can We Afford A United Ireland?I have written before about the work of Sinn Féins  Commission on the Future of Ireland and how it is giving voice to citizens' views on our future and in particular on the potential for constitutional change. I have attended most of the Commission's events. They are all about citizens having their say and usually consist of an independent panel of speakers engaging with an audience. They are also moderated by an independent chairperson. So while Sinn Féin organises these initiatives once the opening formalities are over the party takes a back seat. We are there to listen. Gaels Against Genocide in Gaza.Saturday was a busy day. Tons of Gaelic games on the go. Fitting it all in is a problem. But Gaels Against Genocide in Gaza certainly rose to the challenge. Their demonstration from Belfast's Writers Square to the City Hall was mighty. Great speakers, including Antrim hurling star Neil McManus and a massive crowd from all over the island. In county and club colours. Children  and older Gaels.  Young mothers with their babies. Family groups. Clubs from everywhere. Glen Philips was an excellent Fear an Tí.If the people of the 

Drivetime speaks with Wallace Thompson , a founding member of the DUP who believes the voice of northern Protestants would be stronger in a united Ireland than it is currently within the UK.

A recent report suggesting that a United Ireland would cost 400 billion euro is ‘widely inaccurate' according to DCU's Vice President of Research, John Doyle. We discuss with Edgar Morgenroth, Economics Professor at DCU who co-authored the original report.

The Belfast Telegraph's latest LucidTalk polling reveals opinions on whether Sir Jeffrey Donaldson should resign as an MP, party support, and how well the public feel think political leaders are doing. It also polls opinion on whether DUP founding member Wallace Thompson is right to think a United Ireland is inevitable. Host: Ciarán Dunbar. Guests: Bill White, Alex Kane, and Ursula Savage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As discussions continue apace about the prospect of a United Ireland, are there economic lessons to be learnt from the reunification of Germany in the early 1990s? Seán's guest lived and worked near Leipzig during that transition over thirty years ago. Cormac Lucey, Economic columnist with the Sunday Times and Independent Candidate in the local elections, joins Seán to discuss.

When it comes to a united Ireland, economists might know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Except they're not even sure of the price. On Free State, Dion and Joe consider the report which said a united Ireland could cost €20 million a year for 20 years and look at all it didn't say.Are these numbers being used to scare voters in the south by an establishment which fears becoming irrelevant in a united Ireland? Or do they show the need for a conversation that everyone can be part of? One commentator said Simon Harris knows where Fine Gael's erogenous zones are and Joe and Dion wonder exactly what they could be and they also have news about some very special episodesFree State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland's new Taoiseach Simon Harris says he belongs to a generation more familiar with Berlin and Paris than Belfast or Derry. To the Irish citizens of Belfast and Derry, it may have been a surprise but not a shock to hear the Taoiseach speak of them as if they were a strange and distant people. Or maybe they'll be relieved he didn't say Londonderry.On Free State today, Joe and Dion talk about a united Ireland. Ireland is the only country with a constitutional aspiration for unity so why do the government parties find it so hard to talk about?As Fine Gael lionise Margaret Thatcher, is it any wonder they continue to view the north in a negative way. Joe and Dion argue about the recent report into the cost of unity and if there is a significance that one of the authors of the report is the son of Garret FitzGerald.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new report suggests a united Ireland would cost €20 billion a year for 20 years. But how was this figure reached?Professor John Fitzgerald of Trinity College, and Padraig MacLochlainn, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal joined The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A new study suggests that it could be a at least 6 billion pounds a year.

John Fitzgerald, co-Chair of the Institute of International and European Affairs Economists and Research Affiliate at the ESRI, on new research showing that reunification would cost the Government around €20 billion with little chance of a return for at least 20 to 25 years.

Our reporter Jennie O'Sullivan talks to people in Cork about the costs of uniting Ireland and analysis from BBC Northern Ireland's Business Editor John Campbell.

Edgar Morgenroth Professor of Economics at DCU and Padraig MacLochlainn, Sinn Fein TD for Donegal & Party Chief Whip

Also, cannabis has been partially legalised in Germany - should we follow suit?

The island of Ireland is divided into the Northern part, which is part of the UK and the independent Republic of Ireland to the south. But a political party is poised to take power in both places and it has pledged to make the border disappear.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Also, is a vote for Alliance a vote for a United Ireland ?

Steering Committee Chairperson Mary McAleese spoke to the media for an update on the integration process involving the Camogie Association, the GAA and LGFA, at Croke Park in Dublin.

How close are we to a United Ireland?The unionist voices that said ‘no terrorists in government' and no Sinn Fein First Minister have been marginalised. How will they respond to what is coming next?Joe recalls his own encounters with Jamie Bryson and explains why he would be a good convert to Catholicism. The boys also suggest another career path for Bryson now that politics isn't working out.Joe and Dion disagree about the media in the south's response to Michelle O'Neill's election, while Dion wonders if Joe is spending too much time looking at Fine Gael Twitter accounts.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a big week for Sinn Fein. There's been lots of press coverage and plenty of speculation around their call for a United Ireland, which means it's the perfect time to check in and get a new episode of Sinn Fein FM. Hit play now to hear the full episode.

Two years after power-sharing collapsed in Northern Ireland, Stormont is back in business with Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill becoming its first nationalist First Minister. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met leaders of the new restored devolved government, asking them to focus on day-to-day issues rather than the issue of Irish unity. On the Sky News Daily, Jonathan Samuels looks at how much closer we could be to a united Ireland. He's joined by our senior Ireland correspondent David Blevins to explain the significance of Michelle O'Neill's historic appointment, while Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University, and Brian Feeney, historian and political columnist with the Irish News, explore the reunification debate. Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Junior podcast producer: Evan DaleInterviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker

This week in Westminster has been dominated by the news that we can expect to see power sharing restored at Stormont in the near future. James Heale gets the reaction of former DUP first minister Baroness Arlene Foster.  Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson. 

Steve Aiken, Ulster Unionist Party MLA, looks ahead to the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland.

If you can't spot the sucker at the poker table it's you.Today's 'Free State' tells the story of how the GAA surrendered to corporations and how people became products.Dion and Joe consider the new RTÉ uniforms which could be part of any sponsorship deal.Joe reveals he has been beside himself with worry over the health of King Charles.The boys also discuss the proposal that a future United Ireland should join His Majesty's commonwealth. Fasten your seatbelts…Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In A United Ireland: Why Unification in Inevitable and How It Will Come About (Biteback Publishing, 2017), Kevin Meagher argues that a reasoned, pragmatic discussion about the most basic questions regarding Britain's relationship with its nearest neighbour is now long overdue, and questions that have remained unasked, and perhaps unthought, must now be answered. Indeed, in the light of Brexit and a highly probable second independence referendum in Scotland, the reunification of Ireland is not a question of if, but when and how. Listen to Meagher explain to Owen Bennett Jones why he thinks a united Ireland is inevitable and how he thinks it will happen. Kevin Meagher was a Special Adviser to former Labour Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward. He is the associate editor of the Labour Uncut blog and frequently writes about Irish politics for the New Statesman. Owen Bennett-Jones is a freelance journalist and writer. A former BBC correspondent and presenter he has been a resident foreign correspondent in Bucharest, Geneva, Islamabad, Hanoi and Beirut. He is recently wrote a history of the Bhutto dynasty which was published by Yale University Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In A United Ireland: Why Unification in Inevitable and How It Will Come About (Biteback Publishing, 2017), Kevin Meagher argues that a reasoned, pragmatic discussion about the most basic questions regarding Britain's relationship with its nearest neighbour is now long overdue, and questions that have remained unasked, and perhaps unthought, must now be answered. Indeed, in the light of Brexit and a highly probable second independence referendum in Scotland, the reunification of Ireland is not a question of if, but when and how. Listen to Meagher explain to Owen Bennett Jones why he thinks a united Ireland is inevitable and how he thinks it will happen. Kevin Meagher was a Special Adviser to former Labour Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward. He is the associate editor of the Labour Uncut blog and frequently writes about Irish politics for the New Statesman. Owen Bennett-Jones is a freelance journalist and writer. A former BBC correspondent and presenter he has been a resident foreign correspondent in Bucharest, Geneva, Islamabad, Hanoi and Beirut. He is recently wrote a history of the Bhutto dynasty which was published by Yale University Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

In A United Ireland: Why Unification in Inevitable and How It Will Come About (Biteback Publishing, 2017), Kevin Meagher argues that a reasoned, pragmatic discussion about the most basic questions regarding Britain's relationship with its nearest neighbour is now long overdue, and questions that have remained unasked, and perhaps unthought, must now be answered. Indeed, in the light of Brexit and a highly probable second independence referendum in Scotland, the reunification of Ireland is not a question of if, but when and how. Listen to Meagher explain to Owen Bennett Jones why he thinks a united Ireland is inevitable and how he thinks it will happen. Kevin Meagher was a Special Adviser to former Labour Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward. He is the associate editor of the Labour Uncut blog and frequently writes about Irish politics for the New Statesman. Owen Bennett-Jones is a freelance journalist and writer. A former BBC correspondent and presenter he has been a resident foreign correspondent in Bucharest, Geneva, Islamabad, Hanoi and Beirut. He is recently wrote a history of the Bhutto dynasty which was published by Yale University Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In A United Ireland: Why Unification in Inevitable and How It Will Come About (Biteback Publishing, 2017), Kevin Meagher argues that a reasoned, pragmatic discussion about the most basic questions regarding Britain's relationship with its nearest neighbour is now long overdue, and questions that have remained unasked, and perhaps unthought, must now be answered. Indeed, in the light of Brexit and a highly probable second independence referendum in Scotland, the reunification of Ireland is not a question of if, but when and how. Listen to Meagher explain to Owen Bennett Jones why he thinks a united Ireland is inevitable and how he thinks it will happen. Kevin Meagher was a Special Adviser to former Labour Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward. He is the associate editor of the Labour Uncut blog and frequently writes about Irish politics for the New Statesman. Owen Bennett-Jones is a freelance journalist and writer. A former BBC correspondent and presenter he has been a resident foreign correspondent in Bucharest, Geneva, Islamabad, Hanoi and Beirut. He is recently wrote a history of the Bhutto dynasty which was published by Yale University Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star Trek fans out there will know all too well why 2024 is such a special year for Ireland's relationship with Star Trek. In order to look at the mention of Irish reunification in a particular 1990 episode, Sean was joined by Brian Lloyd, Movie Editor at Entertainment.ie and Movies & Booze panelist...

North and South, how open are citizens to constitutional changes in order to make a United Ireland work? How much economic pain would they willing to bear? What level of short-term pain be worth the long-term gain? Finding out about such attitudes is one of the goals of North and South, a collaboration between The The Irish Times and ARINS, itself a joint research project of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the Keough-Naughton Centre for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame.Now in its second year, the collaboration also makes it possible to track changing attitudes to reunification over time - and one year in, there have already been some significant changes. To discuss the findings of the latest series of polls in the North and South series, Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy are joined by Professor Brendan O'Leary. Brendan O'Leary is a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania and chair of the Public Opinion Committee of ARINS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William and guests discuss

The Unity Debate Seven key Irish-American organisations have announced an ‘Irish Unity Summit – For a New and United Ireland' to be held in New York on 1st March next year. This major initiative – coming as it will just before St. Patrick's Day and the visit to the USA of political leaders from Ireland – is being organised by the Ancient Order of Hibernians; the Brehon Law Societies of NYC and Nassau; the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Long Island; Friends of Sinn Féin; Irish American Unity Conference; the James Connolly Irish American Labor Coalition, and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. More details on the format and speakers will be announced by the organisers later. Ethnic Cleansing By the time you read this column the numbers of people killed in Gaza will have exceeded 10,000. Almost half of these are children. Every minute, of every hour, of every day new and dreadful images emerge from Palestine that horrify and shock.This is not the first time that the Palestinian people have faced ethnic cleansing.  In 1948 the Nakba or Catastrophe witnessed the ethnic cleansing of almost 80% of historic Palestine by the newly established Israeli state. In the decades since then an Israeli apartheid system has dehumanised and demonised the Palestinian people.Crann Na Saoirse. This is tree planting time. Again. Any month with an ‘R' will do but it's usually best between October and March. But plant your wee baby trees well before or well after the frost kicks in. I always try to do my planting in the Autumn so the tree will have time to settle in before Spring. Container grown trees can be planted at any time, though they too need protected from frost  but I mostly use bare root or wee slips grown from seed.

This episode needs a bit of an introduction. While the term Rotten Prod, short for Rotten Protestant, sounds like a sectarian slur, the phrase has a very different and fascinating history. It actually originated within the Protestant community in Ulster to describe a person considered disloyal to Unionism. At the turn of the 20th century, the majority of Ulster Protestants were Unionists, meaning they supported Ireland remaining in the United Kingdom. However a largely forgotten minority, many of whom were Protestant working class socialists, rejected this view. Believing a United Ireland of one kind or another was better for workers, this left them alienated from their own community. Labelled Rotten Prods, they not only faced vilification but often violence from their neighbours and workmates. In this podcast, I interview Emmet O'Connor historian in the University of Ulster and author of the book Rotten Prod, the unlikely career of Dongaree Baird. Our discussion focused on the life of James 'Dongaree' Baird a man who lived and worked in the epicentre of sectarian violence in 1920s Ireland - the Belfast Shipyards.Emmet's book Rotten Prod, the unlikely career of Dongaree Baird is available here My upcoming book, A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders will be released on September 14th! I think you will love the book, it was shaped by your feedback over the years and written with you in mind. If you pre-order your copy today at Easons & get a 10% discount with the listener coupon code below.Link https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993 Coupon Code FD10 Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Leary, professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, honorary professor of political science at Queen's University Belfast and the author of Making Sense of a United Ireland (Penguin Ireland, 2022), talks about the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that ended the violence in Northern Ireland and where things stand now and the potential for a united country one day.