A United Ireland: Why Unification Is Inevitable and How It Will Come About

by Kevin Meagher

For over two centuries, the ‘Irish question’ has dogged UK politics. Though the Good Friday Agreement carved a fragile peace from the bloodshed of the Troubles, the Brexit process has shown a largely uncomprehending British audience just how uneasy that peace always was – and thrown new light on Northern Ireland’s uncertain constitutional status. Remote from the British mainland in its politics, economy and cultural attitudes, Northern Ireland is, in effect, in an antechamber, its place within the UK conditional on the border poll guaranteed by the peace process. As shifting demographic trends erode the once-dominant Protestant–Unionist majority, making a future referendum a racing certainty, the reunification of Ireland becomes a question not of if but when – and how. In this new, fully updated edition of A United Ireland, Kevin Meagher argues that a reasoned, pragmatic discussion about Britain’s relationship with its nearest neighbour is now long overdue, and questions that have remained unasked (and perhaps unthought) must now be answered.

Genres: Politics, Ireland, Nonfiction, History, Current Affairs

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Meagher has written a convincing argument about the inevitability of Irish reunification and, thus, the need to open a discussion about the subject and how it could occur in an optimum manner for all parties. Meagher makes clear that he is writing an argument, not a formal work of political science, and that he is writing first of all for a British audience--an audience that normally ignores or does not consider Northern Ireland (witness the recent Brexit campaign and vote).

One important point that I took from Meagher is that the topic of reunification cannot be discussed in the abstract; a discussion of the circumstances in which it might occur is very important. This is illustrated by the increase in support for reunification in the Republic of Ireland after the success of the Brexit referendum in the UK. In that context, a vote for reunification should be the endpoint of the negotiating process, not the beginning. So once there is a recognition that reunification is necessary, the Irish and UK governments should negotiate over the particulars and that agreement should then be presented to the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to vote upon. This would be more similar to the process surrounding the Good Friday Agreement than the confusion resulting from the Brexit vote.

[James Wetherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

After not giving the subject any thought really, I found this to be a compelling and well informed discussion about Northern Islands reunion with the Republic, and I can honestly say based on this reading I am now a proper supporter of the reunification when it does eventually happen!

[Lothario · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good case for put forward by the author regarding the likelihood of Irish unification, from a economic/cultural point and does take into account that any unified will have to accommodate 1 million unionists. Kevin's own preference is for unification which seems to come into conflict with him constantly refering to himself as 'we' when speaking about Britain, I find it contradictory to identify with Britain but be in favour of dismembering the union.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Logical arguments which lack emotional understanding.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In today's uncertain world it might be considered a bit risky to claim that anything is inevitable. But Irish unity appears to be something that many agree is on the cards sooner or later. Due to changing demographics, the role of economics or the apathy of the British establishment there appears to be something of the inevitable about Irish unity. The conversation these days certainly involves an element more of when and not if. In this short book Kevin Meagher puts forward his own argument for why Irish unification will happen. More importantly he believes the ‘when’ will be sooner than most think. His reasons are outlined below.

The British have to be ready to sell on or let go of the North. Which is likely especially if their citizens ever realise how much they are spending on this small state. There is very little economic interest in the North for the British and by all accounts it is costing them in the region of 10bn per year in the form of a subvention.

The Irish in the South have to be willing to buy it. Though there may be reservations among Southerners at taking on a province with such a propensity for friction as well a 10bn hole in its finance the author believes any economic argument do not hold up. The author suggests the total cost in all would be minimal to ROI (approx 2.4bn) and this would be outweighed by increased investment opportunities. Ireland’s strong reputation for attracting FDI would boost the northern economy significantly as well as allowing access to a larger pool of labour nationwide.

Finally the North has to want it- this is less obvious but there are definitely signs from polling that it is moving in that direction. Meagher throws some doubt on some of the polls that are used and suggests online polls which are more favourable towards unity are more dependable. So it might be an easier sell than is often feared.

Meagher makes an interesting point about the inertia & momentum that will move the issue on quicker than most expect. Meagher suggests that as the realisation grows the pace of moving towards unity will accelerate. Whilst it is very hard to see that from where we are now it was very hard to see abortion or gay marriage being ratified in referenda in Ireland five years previous.

Brexit too has accelerated things. The protocol and sea border has effectively cut ties with the rest of the UK for NI. This has pushed both economies closer together and could even give the nation a unique trading position within the EU/UK during some transition period.

Another factor is the possible breakup of the Union. Currently the Scots are seeking their own form of independence, indeed Scotish Independence could ironically arrive before Irish Independence. Brexit was effectively an English independence referrendum as all other nations voted to stay. The union is on shaky ground so if that goes what will unionists want to unionise with?

Which brings us to Unionism. What exactly do they want? By definition unionism can't tolerate the idea of Irish unity yet as language changes there are very contradictory things happening within their ranks. One real humdinger was the thoughts of former Unionist leader Gregory Campbell criticising the British who may like to see the back of them by invoking the principle of consent. Effectively telling them to stay out of NI affairs. It is this kind of contradictory thinking that really demonstrates how short a shelf life the movement has left. KM's opinion is that Unionism was of its time and he makes the point that it was only ever really defined by supremacy over Catholics/Nationalists. With equality and the GFA it is really worth wondering what unionism means.

This book is not groundbreaking. Although maybe this is because it is aimed at the British reader rather than an Irish person like myself. Many of the arguments have been floating in the ether for some time. Indeed there is some repetition of these ideas within the book. It does serve as a primer on these arguments and at the same time is an easy read on the situation in Northern Ireland over the past 25 or so years.

[Anaïs · Rating 4 out of 5]

In A United Ireland, Kevin Meagher presents a compelling and highly accessible exploration of Irish unification, weaving historical analysis with a forward-thinking examination of contemporary political dynamics. One of the book's most impressive aspects is its clear and concise explanation of Ireland’s division, a feat that Meagher achieves with remarkable clarity. He skillfully distills a complex history, helping readers understand the roots of partition without oversimplification.

The book’s brevity, while a strength in maintaining engagement, adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the arguments for unification. Every word and argument is tightly packed, leaving readers to unpack deeper implications about identity, political shifts, and the challenges of reconciliation. This succinct style ensures accessibility, but it also underscores the layered intricacies of unification, particularly as historical grievances intersect with present-day realities.

A central theme of the book is the transformative impact of Brexit on the Irish question. Meagher powerfully illustrates how the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union has reshaped the political and economic calculus surrounding unification. Brexit, he argues, has reignited discussions about identity and sovereignty, particularly in Northern Ireland, where a growing majority of the population may see a united Ireland within the EU as a preferable alternative to remaining tethered to a Britain outside it. By emphasizing Brexit’s destabilizing effects, Meagher frames it as a catalyst for change, accelerating the inevitability of unification in ways unimaginable just a decade ago.

Where the book shines most is in its vision for the future. Meagher doesn’t merely assert the inevitability of unification; he offers a pragmatic roadmap, addressing the political, economic, and cultural bridges that must be built. His tone is hopeful yet grounded, making the prospect of a united Ireland feel less like a distant dream and more like an achievable reality.

Overall, A United Ireland is a must-read for those interested in Ireland’s history, the legacy of partition, and the seismic effects of Brexit on the British Isles. Meagher’s insightful and well-argued case leaves little doubt that unification is not just possible but increasingly probable in the 21st century.

[Orla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good introduction to the identity politics of modern day Northern Ireland, and some rather compelling arguments about the inevitability of re-unification and how it should be approached. I was struck by the lack of discussion of a potential return to violence in the event of a pro-unity border poll result, which is in my experience a considerable concern for those living in Ireland. I also felt the issue of the NHS was glossed over.

While I understand that going in depth on these specific policy issues may have been beyond the scope of the book, I understand leaving the NHS and a potential renewal of violence as some of the foremost issues that prevent even Catholics from being all for a united Ireland at the present moment. This is why I felt a book on the topic should do more to comment on these issues, but it is clear this book serves more as an introduction to the topic for those living on the British mainland.

[Linde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three years ago when I was writing a paper on Irish nationalism I stumbled upon this book and I was immediately intrigued by it. I couldn't use it as a source because of the obvious bias towards Irish unity in the title alone, but I am glad I finally took the time to read it. Because this is definitely a very interesting read on Irish Unity. It was however statistically heavy, which isn't necessarily bad, but does put a strain on reading.
Using those statistics and historical and political insights into the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Meagher makes a compelling and rational argument about a political case that has not been approached rationally for more than a century by any party involved.

[Redmond Gurney · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘We are nearly there’

Got a bit statistic heavy at points and somewhat repetitive but very interesting and well argued overall.

His final line: ‘We are nearly there’ sums up the book very well, the time is right, everything just needs to align, but given a united Ireland makes sense financially and socially, it’s bound to happen soon.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars would be my rating, if that was possible.

The idea of examining the case for Irish unity from a predominantly British perspective is good but sadly the final product is repetitive and poorly edited.

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and articulate. That which dates not speak it’s name in light of the current political impasse in the UK. This is a fascinating read and if approached with an open mind, will satisfy anybody with an interest in Irish politics.

[Shane Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling collection of information portraying the current and future landscape of Northern Ireland, with so many positive reasons on why the best outcome for everyone is a new Ireland.

[Al Siew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly glazed where there were heavy statistics. But decent enough ancillary material to the politics I know of Northern Ireland.

[Sara Engra Minaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy sorprendida, un argumento muy poderoso, racional y tranquilito sobre por qué la reunificación de Irlanda es más conveniente en todos los sentidos que la situación actual.

[Stosh Kozlowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technical, yet with great foresight

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book on the subject, well paced and a good book for the average UK reader who hasn’t got any background knowledge!

[Jbondandrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start to the understanding of Irish unity.

[Sopez3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 , just now realising the stark difference between this and the last book. it’s been ROUGH

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 ⭐️

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Makes an excellent case for Irish Unity

[Sam McBratney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little book, written for non-Irish. Few wrong dates but clear presentation.

[Cowboy Kubrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could it be that unification of North and South, a proposition that seemed a farcry from possible for much of Ireland's troubled 20th century, may indeed come to pass? Kevin Meagher certainly thinks so - and he believes it may come sooner than we think.

Northern Ireland. A nation born from political compromise in a world that underwent rapid and categorical evolution throughout the turbulent 20th century. Regardless of one's beliefs on the status of Northern Irish sovereignty and its constitution, the nation and the future of its people have not been exempted from these tides of change nor can they be expected to as the waters continue to grow, to borrow some Bob Dylan parlance. Meagher writes in a time and to an audience that has likely witnessed and perhaps experienced the nature of this change since the Good Friday Agreement of '98. This was a development of such seismic consequences that the possibility of Northern Ireland constitutionally acceding to the republic has moved in the interim from theoretical to possible. It is this possibility that Meagher forwards his views on from a British perspective in a format intending to "generate debate" among politicians and the public on what is best for Britain and Ireland.

Far from being an argument based mainly upon romantic ideals of nationalism, Meagher bases his discussion on the belief that a united Ireland represents an economically desirable outcome for the peoples of both Britain and Ireland fuelled by the force of demographics. A crucial aspect of his view is derived from the findings of the first comprehensive study on the economic effects of Irish unification by European researcher Kurt Hubner. In its most optimistic scenario, this study concluded that the economic benefits may amount to 35.6 billion euros over the course of 8 years. Moreover, Meagher contends that Northern Ireland's departure from the UK would not bring out the candles and tissues that would accompany Scottish secession. He rather makes the case that the prospect of unification would advantage and be welcomed by the British, who would no longer bear the 9 billion pound annual cost of maintaining a nation on the periphery both economically and culturally. Meagher makes his case compellingly throughout, though the third chapter represents its bread and butter and is the most essential reading contained within. For those interested in Irish affairs and who want to discern the direction of travel in a post-Brexit world, this book represents worthwhile reading.

Fun Tangential Fact: I learned in the course of this reading that the 'lion of Unionism' and the political force behind the creation of Northern Ireland, Edward Carson, was in fact the barrister at Oscar Wilde's infamous libel case against the Marquess of Queensbury. How different would the story of both country and Wilde have turned out without Carson, I wonder.

[Diolún Ó hUigínn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Meagher explains using recent data, economic and political, and historical arguments for explaining why Irish reunification is the best scenario for the island as a whole as well as the statelet of NI.
Now with the north facing an election and the realities of Brexit unclear the North of Ireland is at a crossroads and what once was seen as impossible could very well become reality within this decade.
Interesting read and balanced, not falling for any romantic ideas the book gives an honest appraisal of how an united Ireland could become a reality.

[Thomas Harte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and written by an Englishman. A very timely reminder of how things may change with Brexit. This deals with the instrumental and pragmatic reasons why a United Ireland is a distinct possibility in the future.

[Jay Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the border situation, takes it from a point of realism rather than politics, and how whether you may support or oppose unification, it may be an inevitable and unavoidable result.

[Killian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting analysis, not the most in depth but logical.