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Making Sense of a United Ireland

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

Will Ireland really reunite?


Throughout the century since partition the unification of the two parts of the island seemed impossible. Many still feel that it is, particularly because of the bloody legacy of past conflict.

However, by 2030, if not sooner, Ulster unionists' demographic and electoral advantages will be over. And in the light of Brexit, the rising popularity of Sinn Féin, political developments both sides of the border, and within Great Britain, Irish unification referendums will become increasingly likely. Yet even those who want these to happen are not prepared.

Making Sense of a United Ireland is a landmark exploration of this most contentious of issues. Distinguished political scientist Brendan O'Leary - a global expert on divided places, who has been profoundly engaged with the Irish question for nearly four decades - argues that the time to consider the future of the island of Ireland is now.

© Brendan O'Leary 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Critics Review

Welcome and compelling
FT
A tour de force
Globe and Mail
Thoughtful and thought-provoking . . . [provides] invaluable insights into the choices and challenges that lie ahead
Irish Times
Highly impressive . . . several books have been written about this subject in 2022 alone, but for sheer intellectual firepower O'Leary wins first prize
Business Post
Should be required reading for everyone - including unionists - who are interested in and concerned about the fate of this island
DRB
Brilliant
Irish News
A must-read . . . [O'Leary has] thought through the implications of possible unity so deeply it would be foolish for anyone who seeks it or opposes it to ignore his book
Cathal Mac Coille
A tour de force, a highly readable, stylishly written, and essential book for anyone interested in a united Ireland, whether supportive, opposed or simply anxious about disturbing the peace we have enjoyed for 25 years . . . fascinating and ultimately optimistic
Irish Central
Impressively researched and well-argued . . . detailed and readable
Irish Independent
Author Brendan O'Leary
Narrator Brendan Dempsey
Duration 11 hours and 52 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9780241996270
Format Audiobook
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Genre Elections and referenda, European history, Geopolitics, National liberation and independence, Public opinion and polls
Availability AU, GB, IE

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