What would a united Ireland actually involve?

What would a united Ireland actually involve?

Author: The Irish Times October 29, 2025 Duration: 57:28

This week’s Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan explores what a united Ireland would actually involve, Irish Times columnist Fintan O’Toole and Belfast Telegraph journalist Sam McBride have written a new book that addresses the case both for and against Irish unity.


The structure of the book is unusual. Each journalist writes two long chapters: one arguing for unity, and one arguing against. O’Toole says the aim is to “give people a sense of what a decent argument looks like”. Too often, he suggests, the subject becomes a referendum about identity rather than a discussion of consequences. McBride agrees, saying most people “don’t get beyond the binary of are you for or against it” even though “none of us know what it would mean”.


Practical questions run through the book: healthcare integration, welfare harmonisation, education, taxation and policing. McBride stresses the range of possible constitutional models. Northern Ireland could remain semi-autonomous within a united Ireland; or the island could adopt a more federal structure. “We don’t even know the most basic elements of this,” he says.


Their conclusion is that everyone on the island will soon need to make an informed choice. And that requires informed understanding, not simplistic assumptions.


For and Against a United Ireland is published by the Royal Irish Academy.

Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each week, Irish Times Inside Politics cuts through the noise to bring clarity to the forces shaping Ireland. Guided by host Hugh Linehan, the conversations here go beyond the headlines, offering a deeper, more considered understanding of the political landscape. You’ll hear from the newspaper’s own journalists, who provide grounded insight from the front lines, alongside a range of independent political thinkers and analysts. Occasionally, politicians themselves join the discussion, offering their perspective directly. The result is a nuanced and thoughtful examination of power, policy, and public life that values context over quick reactions. This isn't about partisan soundbites; it's about unpacking the how and why behind the day's debates and long-term shifts. For anyone looking to move past surface-level reporting and grasp the real stories unfolding in Leinster House and beyond, this podcast serves as an essential weekly briefing. The Irish Times brings its tradition of thorough journalism to the audio format, creating a space for analysis that is both accessible and substantive. Tune in for a consistently informed and engaging take on the issues that define the nation's future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Irish Times Inside Politics
Podcast Episodes
Does Ireland's neutrality leave room for increased defence spending? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:04
The appearance of drones of unknown origin in Dublin last week around the time of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit again highlighted the security challenges of the present day and Ireland's lack of capabil…
Jim O'Callaghan's explicit message on migration [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:24
Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh to talk through the week in politics:Jim O'Callaghan's message on migration The Taoiseach's fondness for overseas tripsNew data showing a rise in eviction notices Plus the panel…
Could a left alliance transform Irish politics? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:24
When Catherine Connolly was elected president with the support of every left-wing party, it sparked new hope on the left that greater cooperation between Sinn Fein, Labour, the Greens, the Social Democrats and People Bef…
Is Simon Harris fit for the role of Minister for Finance? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
Ellen Coyne and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· As Paschal Donohoe departs for pastures new at the World Bank, will his absence weaken Government? And does Simon Harris possess the righ…
Paschal Donohoe’s last interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:34
In his final interview as an Irish politician before leaving for a new role at the World Bank, Paschal Donohoe talks to Hugh and Pat about his decision to leave politics and his record as Minister for Finance and Ministe…
Donohoe's departure leaves the Government and Fine Gael weakened [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:10
After 14 years in Dáil Éireann and a decade in ministerial office, Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe today announced his resignation. He leaves to take up a senior role at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.Why did Paschal Dono…
‘A hot mess of uncoordinated gibberish’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:03
Harry McGee and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The inauguration of Ireland’s 10th president in in St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle, on Tuesday, saw Catherine Connolly deliver a stirrin…