ARINS Project

.@fotoole and @SJAMcBride win the 29th Christopher Ewart-Biggs Literary Prize for For and Against a United Ireland, praised for its balanced take on a complex debate. Accepted on their behalf by Anna McBride & Prof Janice Carruthers Tom Paulin received the Special Prize

Congrats to @ArinsProject Programme Manager Susie Deedigan, who recently joined Young Academy Ireland! 👏 She is one of 21 new members from Ireland and Northern Ireland who were selected for @YoungAcademyIrl through a competitive process. 👉 Read more: irishstudies.nd.edu/news/arins-sus…

This is, of course, mainly down to the young man with whom it has been my pleasure to work. Fintan is an exceptional writer and thinker. It's been both a great privilege to work with him, and great fun to spar together at the live events.

A packed room for Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride to discuss their arguments 'For and Against a United Ireland'! Congratulations to O'Toole and McBride for winning the 29th Ewart-Biggs Prize, recognizing works that promote peace, reconciliation, & greater understanding

The book tour continues! On March 20th, authors @fotoole and @SJAMcBride will deliver this year’s Robert Fagles Memorial #Lecture at @princetonarts on their #NewBook, FOR AND AGAINST A UNITED IRELAND. #Ireland #Unity #Politics Find #Event details at: arts.princeton.edu/events/robert-…

"Nobody Wants Us" @naomi_long suggests that Northern Ireland is still a divided, dysfunctional society and that needs to be dealt with before any mention of constitutional change. @dmcbfs @timcairns

Congrats to @fotoole and @SJAMcBride as well as the @ArinsProject team, which commissioned the book. 👏 ARINS is a joint initiative of the Keough-Naughton Institute in @KeoughGlobalND and the Royal Irish Academy. Read more about the Ewart-Biggs Prize: hotpress.com/culture/fintan…

To wrap up the evening, both noted the positive reaction to the book, both here in the United States and at home. Fintan attributed this to the form of the book - it does not tell people what to think, but invites them to consider all arguments. @NDIrishStudies

Here at @BCIrishStudies, healthcare was discussed as a core point in the debate: Fintan reminded us that ARINS research highlights health as the most important issue for survey respondents. He suggested improving healthcare for all on the island first.

Both agreed that education is another critical topic. Sam outlined how educational opportunity can level the playing field, whilst Fintan highlighted how education and economic issues go hand in hand - a lack of university places leads to a brain drain in the North.

Sam also highlighted how difficult it was to compare data across both healthcare systems.

Discussing arguments AGAINST Irish unity, Fintan focused on economic cost - many would vote in favour but might change their minds if it meant higher taxes. Sam noted we can’t ignore the possibility of violence, nor ‘say that he with the biggest gun gets to decide the future…’

We are delighted to have been at @bostoncollege today for another 'For and Against' conversation. With huge thanks to Mary C Murphy, Guy Beiner and their teams. A packed room as the discussion got underway with Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride! @NDIrishStudies @BCIrishStudies

Journalists Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride @SJAMcBride will give a presentation on their new book, 'For and Against a United Ireland,' TONIGHT at 5 p.m. at @BostonCollege. Registration: events.bc.edu/event/for-and-…

'For and Against a United Ireland' by Sam McBride and Fintan O’Toole has won the 29th Ewart-Biggs Prize! 🏆 🎉🍾 The Ewart-Biggs Prize recognises work that promotes peace, reconciliation and greater understanding. @NDIrishStudies

Stop fixating on Border polls and start a respectful conversation about Ireland’s future irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/0…

I went to a debate @IrishArtsCenter and wrote about why Irish unity is a question that hits on religion, violence, history + destiny: @SJAMcBride @fotoole A Debate Breaks Out Over a United Ireland — Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day @NewYorkSun nysun.com/article/a-deba…

Happy St Patrick’s Day! Celebrating the culture, history, and shared traditions of the island of Ireland and our global community.

A wonderful event yesterday with @WIPLive at @NotreDameinDC We were thrilled to be joined by SoSNI, Hilary Benn MP , by Deputy FM @little_pengelly and by Congressman @RepTimKennedy among many other wonderful guests. @NDIrishStudies @KeoughGlobalND

Thanks to the New York @IrishArtsCenter for hosting For and Against on Saturday night! Wonderful audience discussion with @fotoole and @SJAMcBride @NotreDame @NDIrishStudies @KeoughGlobalND