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Shows Prof John Doyle speaking at the launch event
Prof John Doyle speaking at the launch event in Buswells Hotel. Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Prof John Doyle launches new book ‘Before the Vote: Planning for a United Ireland’

Research News - Prof John Doyle Before the Vote Launch
The launch event took place in Buswells Hotel on Wednesday evening, with speeches from Dublin City University Vice President for Research Prof John Doyle and former British Ambassador to Ireland Paul Johnston (speaking in a personal capacity) and DCU President Prof Daire Keogh. The book is available to download open access and to purchase from DCU Press, the University’s a non-profit open access publisher of peer-reviewed books.

Drawing on new research, ‘Before the Vote’ 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. This book does not argue for any preferred outcome, but it does provide new research and analysis of the key issues which have feature in the debate to date.

 

(From left to right) former British Ambassador to Ireland Paul Johnston, Prof John Doyle, DCU President Prof Daire Keogh
(From left to right) former British Ambassador to Ireland Mark Johnston, Prof John Doyle, DCU President Daire Keogh.

The findings often contradict common myths about the differences north and south, and the economic relationship between Northern Ireland and the British State. It also includes the first detailed comparison of the two health systems, which has been a significant issue in the debate to date.

Speaking on Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder programme on Tuesday evening, Prof Doyle said:

“I think the almost common consensus is that no one wants a repeat of the Brexit referendum where you have no idea what’s going to happen the morning after, where you can claim anything can happen the morning after… People didn’t really know what they were voting for. There is almost no support for an in principle vote.  People know that flags and anthems will be discussed eventually, but what they want to know now is the (impact on) the economy, pensions and health.”

Shows John Doyle speaking at a Department of Foreign Affairs event

Hear Prof John Doyle speak about 'Before the Vote: Preparing for a 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.

Before the Vote is available to download open access and available in print for €20/£20 from DCU Press, or select book shops. 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.