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.
"'A major and unique contribution …The book illuminates the mindsets of the nationalist and unionist traditions more effectively than many passionate representatives of those traditions have ever achieved … Remarkably and fittingly, unionists and nationalists, northerners and southerners, will find themselves united in recommending this book.'"
Slugger O'Toole
"'I would make this balanced and scrupulous treatment of the great existential issue of this island required reading for every Irish and Northern Irish sixth year school student and first year undergraduate (and their parents).'"
former director, Centre for Cross Border Studies
"'The genius of For and against a united Ireland lies in the simple geometry of forcing each author to look at the question from a view obverse to those traditionally held by the societies from which they've emerged: it's a luxury rarely afforded in Irish discourse.'"
editor, Slugger O'Toole
"'I thought I knew a lot about this topic, but I found the book packed with facts and analyses about Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic that were new to me.'"
