What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
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.
Audible Audio
First published October 20, 2025
59 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Fintan O'Toole
58 books358 followersFintan O'Toole is a columnist, assistant editor and drama critic for The Irish Times. O'Toole was born in Dublin and was partly educated at University College Dublin. He has written for the Irish Times since 1988 and was drama critic for the New York Daily News from 1997 to 2001. He is a literary critic, historical writer and political commentator, with generally left-wing views. He was and continues to be a strong critic of corruption in Irish politics, in both the Haughey era and continuing to the present.
O'Toole has criticised what he sees as negative attitudes towards immigration in Ireland, the state of Ireland's public services, growing inequality during Ireland's economic boom, the Iraq War and the American military's use of Shannon Airport, among many other issues. In 2006, he spent six months in China reporting for The Irish Times. In his weekly columns in The Irish Times, O'Toole opposed the IRA's campaign during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
information from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fintan_O...
O'Toole has criticised what he sees as negative attitudes towards immigration in Ireland, the state of Ireland's public services, growing inequality during Ireland's economic boom, the Iraq War and the American military's use of Shannon Airport, among many other issues. In 2006, he spent six months in China reporting for The Irish Times. In his weekly columns in The Irish Times, O'Toole opposed the IRA's campaign during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
information from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fintan_O...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 29, 2025
In case nobody knows: there's a lot to discuss here. And while at times the book can be a little too academic, it's a worthwhile read for both decideds and undecideds
November 18, 2025
Short and punchy. McBride’s chapters are better than O’Toole’s. The elephant in the room, the thing I kept thinking about, was Fergus’ question: ‘Is Northern Ireland a failed state?’ McBride especially knows more than most the dysfunction of our institutions, but there was little focus on institutional reform either in the Union or in a new Republic: lots on schools, healthcare, pensions, taxation and fiscal policy; but political and civil service reform, representation, ministerial power, etc. are mostly just referred to quickly, and usually under the rubric of a unitary vs devolved United Ireland. This is understandable based on the topics that will probably be on most swing voters’ minds in a future border poll. But without solid political institutions, even the best planning in the world won’t implement the kind of pension / health / tax / school systems that voters want. This might be thought to push towards change, and thus a United Ireland, but I’m increasingly unsure of that logic. Anyway: these kinds of questions clearly informed the writing of the book, especially McBride’s chapters, but don’t surface often enough.
January 25, 2026
For and Against a United Ireland is a joint book by two authors, one who grew up in Northern Ireland in a broadly unionist environment, and one in the Republic of Ireland in a broadly nationalist one. The book has just four chapters, the case for a united Ireland, and the case against one, both perspectives written by each author.
I went into this book with my own opinions (as most of us in Ireland would), and to be honest I’ve come out more unsure of my stance now that I’ve finished. The authors do a great job of really laying out the nuances of each case, and the different variations and possibilities of what a united Ireland might look like. But ultimately, no one knows what it would be like unless our governments really start to lay out the exact layout of the land in a post-united Ireland for all aspects of society, including healthcare, education, transport, national security, among many other things.
If and when the conversation ultimately comes to the forefront of Irish politics, I will definitely come back to this book for the facts and considerations it lays out.
I went into this book with my own opinions (as most of us in Ireland would), and to be honest I’ve come out more unsure of my stance now that I’ve finished. The authors do a great job of really laying out the nuances of each case, and the different variations and possibilities of what a united Ireland might look like. But ultimately, no one knows what it would be like unless our governments really start to lay out the exact layout of the land in a post-united Ireland for all aspects of society, including healthcare, education, transport, national security, among many other things.
If and when the conversation ultimately comes to the forefront of Irish politics, I will definitely come back to this book for the facts and considerations it lays out.
Read
January 27, 2026really liked this beyond the traditionally emotional evocations of unionism/nationalism what could a United ireland look like versus the potential for NI within the Union
the conclusion that it is a privilege to be sat at a time of peace making a democratic choice between belonging to either of these two nations was an admirably optimistic conclusion
the conclusion that it is a privilege to be sat at a time of peace making a democratic choice between belonging to either of these two nations was an admirably optimistic conclusion
January 24, 2026
This is one of the most serious, useful books yet written about the prospect of a border poll and Irish unity.
The structure is deceptively simple and extremely effective. Two white, male journalists — one broadly nationalist (Fintan O’Toole), one broadly unionist (Sam McBride) — each begin by making the case against what would normally be assumed to be their own tribal position. That choice alone sets the tone: this is a book that resists slogans, certainty, and easy alignment. Then they both give the opposite side of the
The context matters here.
Brexit — a disaster imposed on Northern Ireland against its will — and the unresolved legacy of the Troubles make the question of a border poll no longer theoretical. It is not hard to imagine a “mad or bad” Secretary of State calling one. The authors are clear that circumstances change: economic assumptions that once underpinned partition are now irrelevant. History cannot simply be replayed.
The case against unity (Fintan O’Toole):
O’Toole is at his most interesting when he turns traditional southern nationalist arguments against unity back on themselves. An island, he reminds us, is not necessarily a natural political unit. He draws on examples of divided islands elsewhere (notably omitting Cyprus) and points out that the only period when Ireland was fully united was under English and British rule.
He is unsparing about the southern state after partition: a society that prioritised Catholic identity over reunification. The Constitution’s preamble invoking God, and the outsized influence of the Jesuits, loom large. This is not ancient history; it shapes contemporary institutions.
O’Toole asks the questions that could derail any referendum:
Would there be violence? Even a small number of disgruntled opponents could attempt to destabilise a new state.
What would the new Ireland actually look like? A devolved Northern Ireland like Wales? Would voters see a concrete plan beforehand, unlike Brexit?
What about policing — armed or unarmed?
Would a Supreme Court be representative of both identities?
The flag, the anthem?
Polling suggests many southerners imagine unity as simply absorbing “the six counties,” without reckoning with debt, pensions, welfare, or taxation. Health is especially fraught: many in the North believe the NHS is superior, even as outcomes like life expectancy lag. Education, north and south, remains fragmented and dominated by religious institutions.
His conclusion is sobering: the Republic would need to reform and integrate its own healthcare and education systems before it could credibly integrate Northern Ireland. There is a long journey ahead — and a real risk of violence along the way. Faced with so many unanswered questions, many voters in the Republic might default to “no” or abstention.
The case for unity (Sam McBride):
McBride’s pro-unity case is pragmatic rather than romantic. If institutions like Stormont and the PSNI were retained, the transition could be manageable. MPs could go to Dublin rather than London. Crucially, Dublin would care more about Northern Ireland than Britain does — and British indifference, he argues, is not in unionists’ interests.
He is optimistic about integrating healthcare and education, and sees EU re-entry as straightforward, given Northern Ireland’s Remain vote. The Republic is far wealthier than it once was and is moving further in that direction. A united Ireland would be larger than countries like Norway, Denmark, Finland, or Singapore — all perfectly viable states.
There’s also a strong argument against over-centralisation: Belfast as a second city could help loosen Dublin’s gravitational pull.
The case for unity (Fintan O’Toole):
When O’Toole turns to the argument pro United Ireland, he grounds it in demographic change. Catholics now barely outnumber Protestants — a far cry from 1921. He draws extensively on polling to show how attitudes in the South have shifted, including openness to continued devolution after a British handover.
Symbols — flag, anthem, emblems — could be negotiated long before any vote. Replacing the tricolour would not require banning it; the same applies to the anthem. Pluralism, not erasure, is the key. He sees unity as an opportunity for renewal in the South: constitutional change, decentralisation, and the inclusion of Belfast.
Economically, he argues that the costs of unification would be offset by increased activity across the island — the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts. Technical integration problems pale beside the deeper political challenge of reconciling identities. History is a warning: in 1968, few foresaw the Troubles.
The case against unity (Sam McBride)
McBride’s counter-case is rooted in stability. The UVF, he notes starkly, has more members under arms than the Irish army. Many of his arguments amount to a defence of the status quo — especially appealing to southern voters who are doing fine without the North and may not wish to “upset the apple cart.”
Why the book works
The alternating, uninterrupted arguments are a strength. Each case is given full force, without immediate rebuttal. It’s engaging, well edited, and remarkably accessible. This would be an excellent primer for schools, newcomers to the island, and anyone trying to understand how Ireland actually works.
It’s also rich in detail. One striking fact: in 1925 the Free State was absolved of its share of UK national debt in return for accepting the border as proposed by the Boundary Commission.
The postscript is the book’s quiet masterstroke. It reminds us that preparing for a border poll does not predetermine its outcome. Improving health services, transport, education, and infrastructure makes life better regardless of the constitutional future. And before “yes” or “no,” there is “maybe” — a growing cohort of voters unmoved by tribal slogans, demanding hard answers grounded in reality. By the time any poll is held, many voters will not identify with traditional nationalist or unionist categories at all.
I attended a live discussion of the book in November 2025, with polls taken before and after. Both speakers were persuasive — to both sides. Yet the undecided shifted towards “no,” shaken by the sheer complexity of integration.
This book deserves to stay in print as we move closer to a border poll. It could even be updated every five years. Should a summary be available to every voter?
Final thought and extract from the book: We have been given peace and time to consider this decision carefully. History is usually far less generous with such gifts.
The structure is deceptively simple and extremely effective. Two white, male journalists — one broadly nationalist (Fintan O’Toole), one broadly unionist (Sam McBride) — each begin by making the case against what would normally be assumed to be their own tribal position. That choice alone sets the tone: this is a book that resists slogans, certainty, and easy alignment. Then they both give the opposite side of the
The context matters here.
Brexit — a disaster imposed on Northern Ireland against its will — and the unresolved legacy of the Troubles make the question of a border poll no longer theoretical. It is not hard to imagine a “mad or bad” Secretary of State calling one. The authors are clear that circumstances change: economic assumptions that once underpinned partition are now irrelevant. History cannot simply be replayed.
The case against unity (Fintan O’Toole):
O’Toole is at his most interesting when he turns traditional southern nationalist arguments against unity back on themselves. An island, he reminds us, is not necessarily a natural political unit. He draws on examples of divided islands elsewhere (notably omitting Cyprus) and points out that the only period when Ireland was fully united was under English and British rule.
He is unsparing about the southern state after partition: a society that prioritised Catholic identity over reunification. The Constitution’s preamble invoking God, and the outsized influence of the Jesuits, loom large. This is not ancient history; it shapes contemporary institutions.
O’Toole asks the questions that could derail any referendum:
Would there be violence? Even a small number of disgruntled opponents could attempt to destabilise a new state.
What would the new Ireland actually look like? A devolved Northern Ireland like Wales? Would voters see a concrete plan beforehand, unlike Brexit?
What about policing — armed or unarmed?
Would a Supreme Court be representative of both identities?
The flag, the anthem?
Polling suggests many southerners imagine unity as simply absorbing “the six counties,” without reckoning with debt, pensions, welfare, or taxation. Health is especially fraught: many in the North believe the NHS is superior, even as outcomes like life expectancy lag. Education, north and south, remains fragmented and dominated by religious institutions.
His conclusion is sobering: the Republic would need to reform and integrate its own healthcare and education systems before it could credibly integrate Northern Ireland. There is a long journey ahead — and a real risk of violence along the way. Faced with so many unanswered questions, many voters in the Republic might default to “no” or abstention.
The case for unity (Sam McBride):
McBride’s pro-unity case is pragmatic rather than romantic. If institutions like Stormont and the PSNI were retained, the transition could be manageable. MPs could go to Dublin rather than London. Crucially, Dublin would care more about Northern Ireland than Britain does — and British indifference, he argues, is not in unionists’ interests.
He is optimistic about integrating healthcare and education, and sees EU re-entry as straightforward, given Northern Ireland’s Remain vote. The Republic is far wealthier than it once was and is moving further in that direction. A united Ireland would be larger than countries like Norway, Denmark, Finland, or Singapore — all perfectly viable states.
There’s also a strong argument against over-centralisation: Belfast as a second city could help loosen Dublin’s gravitational pull.
The case for unity (Fintan O’Toole):
When O’Toole turns to the argument pro United Ireland, he grounds it in demographic change. Catholics now barely outnumber Protestants — a far cry from 1921. He draws extensively on polling to show how attitudes in the South have shifted, including openness to continued devolution after a British handover.
Symbols — flag, anthem, emblems — could be negotiated long before any vote. Replacing the tricolour would not require banning it; the same applies to the anthem. Pluralism, not erasure, is the key. He sees unity as an opportunity for renewal in the South: constitutional change, decentralisation, and the inclusion of Belfast.
Economically, he argues that the costs of unification would be offset by increased activity across the island — the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts. Technical integration problems pale beside the deeper political challenge of reconciling identities. History is a warning: in 1968, few foresaw the Troubles.
The case against unity (Sam McBride)
McBride’s counter-case is rooted in stability. The UVF, he notes starkly, has more members under arms than the Irish army. Many of his arguments amount to a defence of the status quo — especially appealing to southern voters who are doing fine without the North and may not wish to “upset the apple cart.”
Why the book works
The alternating, uninterrupted arguments are a strength. Each case is given full force, without immediate rebuttal. It’s engaging, well edited, and remarkably accessible. This would be an excellent primer for schools, newcomers to the island, and anyone trying to understand how Ireland actually works.
It’s also rich in detail. One striking fact: in 1925 the Free State was absolved of its share of UK national debt in return for accepting the border as proposed by the Boundary Commission.
The postscript is the book’s quiet masterstroke. It reminds us that preparing for a border poll does not predetermine its outcome. Improving health services, transport, education, and infrastructure makes life better regardless of the constitutional future. And before “yes” or “no,” there is “maybe” — a growing cohort of voters unmoved by tribal slogans, demanding hard answers grounded in reality. By the time any poll is held, many voters will not identify with traditional nationalist or unionist categories at all.
I attended a live discussion of the book in November 2025, with polls taken before and after. Both speakers were persuasive — to both sides. Yet the undecided shifted towards “no,” shaken by the sheer complexity of integration.
This book deserves to stay in print as we move closer to a border poll. It could even be updated every five years. Should a summary be available to every voter?
Final thought and extract from the book: We have been given peace and time to consider this decision carefully. History is usually far less generous with such gifts.
January 31, 2026
While some of the arguements are underdeveloped and lack the necessary depth and complexity, this is still a thoughtful and serious attempt to engage with the issues of a future border poll and Irish unity. O'Toole and McBride's attention is rightfully (and refreshingly for the issue) focused on practical concerns - education, health, economics, social cohesion, the spector of violence, etc... - instead of the well wore platitudes and appeals to emotion that so often define this debate in both unionist and nationalist camps respectively. This focus coupled with the structure (which allows for mature and balanced weighing of the opportunities and obstacles, pitfalls and promises of unification, as it shows that there are reasonable and deeply compelling arguements from both positions) give the book a refreshingly insightful edge.
November 21, 2025
Somewhat pioneering work, analysing the real issues that would impact on an Irish Border Poll such as health, education, the economy, cost of living and organisational changes that might occur. To my knowledge it's the first serious attempt to discuss all of these issues in one book, with the economy being the focus of most of the work hitherto. The authors deserve credit for trying to take a balanced, non-idealogue-style approach to the weighty topic, and it seems unique in that each author comes from either side of the border. Both authors are accomplished journalists and authors in their own right, but as well as being from different sides of the border and different religions, they are also from different generations with very different experiences of The Troubles. The analysis makes many valid points including that both options involve risk, and, strikingly, that life expectancy being 2 years greater south of the border without the NHS, what real difference does it make to NI to have an NHS if it is ineffective at delivery? Sinn Féin's abdication of taking any position on these main bread-and-butter issues, passing them off to forums, etc. is exposed, and the prospect of reactionary political violence explored. A serious discussion on relevant issues.
January 15, 2026
This is an excellent and important book. Unification is something dear to my heart, having a parent from Northern Ireland. The prospect of unification frightens me only in that it wouldn’t be carefully considered before a decision was made like Brexit. For that reason it is an important book, it is an excellent book because the arguments made are well considered, well put and, critically, are beyond the obvious while thinking of the novel issues and opportunities which would arise.
The two authors, Messrs O’Toole and McBride, are journalists from both sides of the border. They both write a chapter for Irish unity and against it. In truth, I found Sam McBride to be the more compelling writer in both cases but Fintan O’Toole is by no means lacking. They carefully consider issues such as education, healthcare, militarisation, culture, industry and a host of other areas in their discussion.
Ultimately, from reading this book I take the view that unification is a great opportunity for reform in both countries. The most important point the book makes though is that this is an enormous decision and that we have a unique opportunity and obligation to consider it completely.
The two authors, Messrs O’Toole and McBride, are journalists from both sides of the border. They both write a chapter for Irish unity and against it. In truth, I found Sam McBride to be the more compelling writer in both cases but Fintan O’Toole is by no means lacking. They carefully consider issues such as education, healthcare, militarisation, culture, industry and a host of other areas in their discussion.
Ultimately, from reading this book I take the view that unification is a great opportunity for reform in both countries. The most important point the book makes though is that this is an enormous decision and that we have a unique opportunity and obligation to consider it completely.
January 25, 2026
Really good read. It's so healthy to engage and understand each side of this equasion, regardless of whether you are for, against or as of yet undecided on the proposition of a united Ireland.
Most importantly as inhabitants of this beautiful island we must learn to understand and respect each other's views in order to make the island a better place for us all to live on regardless of the outcome of any such referendum.
Let's keep the conversation going in respectful and logical way, with the goal of creating a better future for our children regardless of any border poll outcome.
Most importantly as inhabitants of this beautiful island we must learn to understand and respect each other's views in order to make the island a better place for us all to live on regardless of the outcome of any such referendum.
Let's keep the conversation going in respectful and logical way, with the goal of creating a better future for our children regardless of any border poll outcome.
December 4, 2025
"Better the devil you know than the devil you don't"
Interesting, high level overview of both sides of the most important decision this island has faced in over 100 years. The Irish government's lack of planning for the potential integration of 2m people is extremely worrying. The book lays out clearly the nuanced differences of North and South in 2025 and the motivations of each side of the border for a Yes/No vote.
Let's see how the next few years play out
Interesting, high level overview of both sides of the most important decision this island has faced in over 100 years. The Irish government's lack of planning for the potential integration of 2m people is extremely worrying. The book lays out clearly the nuanced differences of North and South in 2025 and the motivations of each side of the border for a Yes/No vote.
Let's see how the next few years play out
January 18, 2026
This book gave me valuable perspective as someone who is not Irish but lives in Ireland. I really appreciated the debate-style format, that encourages you to understand both angles on similar arguments. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to better understand what the Irish border referendum truly means.
It made me think deeper on what establishes a country and sadly reminded me how Cyprus border referendum failed to solve issues.
It made me think deeper on what establishes a country and sadly reminded me how Cyprus border referendum failed to solve issues.
January 19, 2026
Clunky and superfluous writing (from two writers who I know can do better), way too satisfied with their theme to actually try to say anything revelatory. If you want to hear some debating points, and a couple of survey results, boy do I have a book for you.
Not an absolute waste of time, but I really find a heart to think that there's anybody who knows enough to make this meaningful, but has never given reunification any thought to make this book useful for them.
Not an absolute waste of time, but I really find a heart to think that there's anybody who knows enough to make this meaningful, but has never given reunification any thought to make this book useful for them.
December 29, 2025
I came away with a much better understanding of the complexities of a united Ireland but also with feeling that everything is going to be okay. A really important book to introduce the topic which is right around the corner.
November 2, 2025
Really easy to read, informative and well written. I finished this book feeling conflicted as to what the path forward should be which is exactly what a book like this should achieve in a reader.
November 20, 2025
Well worth reading
January 3, 2026
Interesting to see the perspectives compared and contrasted.
January 25, 2026
Food for thought, setting out the context and issues of a future Border Poll.
February 5, 2026
Informative and educational. An excellent read
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews