Description
Book SynopsisGrowing up during The Troubles, I was determined that I was not going to be forced into Irish unity by terrorist violence or the threat of it. At the time, there was no space to think about a different future. But since then, we have had peace, however imperfect it may be, and we now have the opportunity to freely decide our fate.
Why will everyone living on the island of Ireland benefit from Irish unity?
How will the referendum be won?
Do we need to start preparing now?
What will happen when Ireland is reunified?
Disillusioned with the state of pro-union politics in Britain and Northern Ireland, scarred by what he and many others see as a detrimental vote for Brexit and determined to heal the wounds inflicted by partition, Ben Collins sets out a multitude of political, social and economic benefits of removing the border on the island of Ireland, once and for all.
Written from the viewpoint of an East Belfast-born former UUP campaigner, Irish Unity: Time to Prepare addresses the concerns of unionists in Northern Ireland and sceptics in the Republic and urges everyone on the island of Ireland to escape the crumbling United Kingdom so that we can build a peaceful and prosperous future together, for ourselves and our children.
Trade ReviewThe partitioning of Ireland has left a tragic legacy of estrangement especially in Northern Ireland where until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 conflicting allegiances and identities set the scene for ongoing wasteful conflict and instability. The Agreement put the issue of ending partition on the agenda for medium to long term consideration. Brexit which was not supported by a majority in Northern Ireland and changing demographics have brought the issue of partition closer and closer to centre stage. Many scholarly and political analyses are now adding to the inevitable debate, but few deepen and widen it as Ben Collins’ book does. With exceptional courage he steps outside the predictable tribal politics which have inhibited fresh, radical thinking on all sides including within the unionist tradition which he is steeped in from birth. Here is a plan for building a dynamic and welcoming new home for all who share this beautiful island. A home beyond partition, without partition. This book is precisely the kind of challenging thinking needed at this strange time. I hope it provokes thoughtful and respectful discussion across all the chasms we need to bridge if the future is to honour the promise of peace and partnership most yearn for. – MARY McALEESE, President of Ireland 1997-2011
In a timely addition to the growing public debate about Irish unity, Ben Collins examines the feasibility and desirability of such a radical change. And he pulls no punches, convinced that Northern Ireland’s political institutions aren’t fit for purpose and that Irish unity is ‘an idea whose time has come’. Ben Collins grew up as an East Belfast Unionist, describing himself today as ‘an idealist and a pragmatist’ who believes ‘Irish unity is an urgent necessity’, especially after the trauma of Brexit and what he describes as Boris Johnson’s ‘betrayal’ of Northern Ireland. His book is a roadmap towards that end; a clearheaded analysis of the complex issues, grounded in fact, with terrific historical detail. He highlights one of the thorniest issues now facing Northern Ireland; the state created specifically to have Protestant and Unionist majority that will very soon have neither. Anyone interested in the future not just of Northern Ireland, but of these islands, would benefit from this thought-provoking book. – BILL NEELY
Ben Collins argues a powerful and articulate economic, social and political case for Irish reunification within the European Union. That this is not the work of a life-long republican but from an author originating from a unionist background indicates how the old certainties surrounding the constitutional question are disappearing.
The book is particularly strong in observing broader contexts: the increased economic drivers from Brussels with Northern Ireland given the EU Protocol; the continuing strength of the independence movement in Scotland and its growth in Wales. The growth of a centre ground within the North, persuadable for Irish unity, is correctly observed as potentially decisive in deciding the outcome of a border poll.
The author outlines how a unity referendum can be won on either side of the border, via a combination of leadership and the allaying of fears, before articulating how a single parliament in Dublin can accommodate unionists.
Not everyone will agree with the author’s assertion that Irish unity is probable within a decade. Regardless, this is an important book which ought to be read by those on either side of the constitutional debate – and by those yet to make up their mind. – JON TONGE, Professor of Politics, University of Liverpool.
Irish Unity: Time to Prepare details how the unfolding campaign for Scottish independence has helped build momentum for Irish unity and describes the step changes in his own outlook. – LESLEY RIDDOCH
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements 9
Foreword 11
Glossary of Terms 13
Timeline of Key Events 15
Preface 23 Introduction 29
Part One: Setting the Scene 41
Preparing the Ground 42
The Economy 64
Symbolism and Cultural Identity 86
Historical Perspective 93
Calling a Border Poll/Unity Referendum 100
Part Two: Winning the Referendum 119
Gaming the Campaign 120
Getting the Irish Republic to Vote for Unity 147
Appealing to Unionism 154
The Power of Sport 181
Part Three: Thriving After the Vote for Unity 187
Governance 188
Legacy Issues – Dealing with the Past 195
Lessons from Other Countries 199
Where We Want to End Up 203
Conclusion: A Summary of My Support for Unity 207
Endnotes 209
