Prof. John Doyle launches his new book 'Before the Vote: Planning for a United Ireland' from Dublin City University Press

Ben Collins, former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations and former press officer for the Northern Ireland Office (UK Government Department) during the St Andrews Agreement negotiations, will launch 'Before the Vote'

6pm: Welcome Reception

6.30pm: Formal launch and speeches

7pm: Book sales, signing and reception

8.30pm: close

Drawing on new research, John Doyle analyses the economic conditions and public policy in the two parts of the island of Ireland; comparing gaps in living standards, education, welfare systems, gender equality and health. Before the Vote: planning for a united Ireland does not argue for or against a united Ireland. It provides an evidence base to allow planning in advance which is essential to avoid the chaos and misinformation of the Brexit vote. The findings often contradict common myths about the differences north and south, and the economic relationship between Northern Ireland and the British State. The book looks to the future, exploring how a referendum might be called and managed. How should pre-referendum debates be structured to avoid the confusion and misinformation associated with the Brexit campaigns. Finally, it crucially asks what the political structures of a new state would look like, the legal and political processes of integration in a new united Ireland.

Professor John Doyle is Vice President for Research in Dublin City University, with 30 years’ experience researching peace processes, focused on Northern Ireland, and recently on the consequences of Brexit. He is commissioning editor for ARINS, a Royal Irish Academy and University of Notre Dame collaboration on the future of Ireland.

Ben Collins grew up in a strongly pro-unionist and pro-British background in East Belfast. He is a former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations and has worked in roles with a strong focus on political communications for more than twenty years. This has included working as a press officer for the Northern Ireland Office (UK Government Department) at the time of the St Andrews Agreement negotiations. He is the author of two books on the public debate on unity.

DCU Press is Ireland’s first fully open-access academic publishing house, non-profit and peer-reviewed. It supports the mission of Dublin City University to advance its research impact and reflects its commitment to Open Research.

Description supplied by the event organiser.