Can Ireland Be One?

by Malachi O'Doherty

Can this deeply divided island ever be united? Malachi O’Doherty’s ground-breaking new book explores this salient question and many more. Considering centuries of history alongside contemporary issues, he looks for answers by talking to those who know the island best: those who live there. O’Doherty speaks to politicians, journalists, writers, lawyers, sportspeople, and residents of both the North and the Republic, to produce the most comprehensive picture yet of a divided nation and its uncertain future. This book asks the big political questions about the prospects of reconciliation between North and South, but it also goes behind the upfront attitudes of parties and factions to ask what really drives people’s sense of who they are, and whether a more inclusive national identity can be reached. The Irish nation still defines itself by the legacy of a freedom struggle, a legacy cherished and celebrated by major political parties while at the same time aspiring to absorb a people and a region which is determinedly British. Can two parts of a partitioned island put that legacy behind them, and if so, how would they jointly define Ireland’s sovereign national character after that?

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Ireland

276 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2022

Reviews

[Andrew]

Really thought provoking. I've read some of O'Doherty's previous books and I found them insightful and nuanced. This book is exactly the same, worth reading for anyone interested in British and Irish history/politics.

[Killian]

After reading this I'm more confused! Quite pessimistic account of the issues around a United Ireland

[Liz Forsberg Cassidy]

I bought this boo a few years ago when we were in Ireland but it seemed like now was a good time to read it with the recent Cardiff summit. I learned a lot about the nuances of Irish people in Northern Ireland.

[Aoife]

Although no one can speak on behalf of the whole nation or island in this case, but O’Doherty attempts to look at the ‘inevitable’ referendum or border poll we will face in our near future due to one of the stipulations of the Good Friday Agreement. Will we pass a bill on unification for a ‘united Ireland’?

The book discusses the northern Irish experience, the two communities paradigm, where it’s not merely about two different religions, but rather two different culture beliefs, histories and national identities, where one wears an Easter lily and the other wears a poppy in November.

This book is a cautious reflection of what needs to be acknowledged and prepared for if this is passed. We can’t box people into a certain identity or ideology due to their address, as they say it’s not where you come from, but where you are going and what you want in your future. They want to ensure that nobody will be culturally excluded from equal citizenship and that this united Ireland would need to be reflective of the diversity of the people of Ireland.

But also the question is in this new nation would we change our flag? What would the national anthem ? be and would we have a new national holiday.

It’s definitely an interesting read explored by someone that has lived through the troubles, sectarianism, riots and rebellions and understands this peace treaty and the not rocking the boat mentality, as in is it really worth it, if we can all live peacefully now? Why fix something that’s not broken?

[Rebekah Townsend]

Thought provoking - I had been hoping for a book exploring the details of what would need to be considered in a border poll which wasn’t exactly what I got, but this was a thoughtful analysis of the different identities within Ireland, north and south, and a lot of the inherent conflicts within that. The conclusion chimed with my own thoughts that in any border poll the decision should be driven by the deal presented - and it was valuable to recognise that this deal will need to be done in advance to avoid the agony of the Brexit chaos being repeated!

[John Ó Doibhlin]

Reads like a long opinion piece. It is very obviously selective or ignorant on much, some statements are untrue or ignore other facts which contradict the narrative the author wants to tell. A generally very cynical and pessimistic examination which doesn’t provide much in the way of deep enquiry or seek to explore much beyond the already well trodden paths on the issue.

[Karen Power]

An essential read for anyone interested in the topic.

[James Day]

Three and a half stars - really dropped off reading there but finished strong

[Noel Sharkey]

3.5 stars. Thought provoking but overly cynical at times. Felt a bit like the author was sneering at others for having an opinion. Worth a read though.

[Cathal Joyce-Donnellan]

I don't quite agree with O'Doherty on everything here, but this is an eye-opening and ultimately rewarding read for anyone with an interest in Ireland's future.

[Ruadháin Bonham]

meh