Westminster will this week host an event launching a significant new book about the prospects of a United Ireland.
‘The Irish Unity Dividend’ is a bold new book, written to answer that question, by Ben Collins – a former Unionist turned United-Irelander.
Collins started his journey from unionist to united Irelander around the time of the Good Friday Agreement which he viewed as a key moment paving the way for fresh directions and a break from the past. Encouraged by progressive changes he saw taking place in the Irish republic and dismayed by the UK vote to leave the European Union, Collins wrote his first book ‘Irish Unity: Time to Prepare’ establishing him as one of the most important voices in this debate.
The new book, commended by former president Mary McAleese who writes the foreword, provides a compelling case that a united Ireland will bring a real practical dividend for people across Ireland – north and south be they Catholic, Protestant or Neither.
Speaking in advance of the debate, Kevin Rooney, co-ordinator of Irish Border Poll, and organiser of the event said:
“For republicans like me Irish unity is a lifelong passion and a principle. But for many other people in Ireland, it’s very far from that. If we fail to bring these people with us and convince them that life will be better for everyone in a united Ireland we will fail. This important new book and the debates around it are critical to the campaign for a united Ireland and we invite people to come on Wednesday and challenge Collins and others to answer their questions and provide a convincing and evidence based vision of what these benefits are.”
The book launch will take the form of a panel discussion where a number of high profile figures will respond to Collins. Including Colum Eastwood, SDLP MP for Foyle and Chair of the New Ireland Commission; Dáire Hughes, Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, and Kevin Meagher – author of A United Ireland: Why Unification is Inevitable. The debate will be chaired by Andrea Catherwood – Radio and TV broadcaster and presenter of the Radio 4 programme – Does The Irish Republic want Reunification.
All are welcome to attend the irishborderpoll.com event: Wednesday October 15th, 7pm, Portcullis House, Westminster
