Sold Out: Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride Holywell Trust event

As part of its Forward Thinking Project, Derry's Holywell Trust is hosting a sold-out discussion with Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride on their new book ‘For and Against a United Ireland’.

The book was commissioned by the ARINS Project - an initiative by the Royal Irish Academy and Keough-Naughton Institute, providing research on policy and public debate for Ireland, north and south.

For and Against a United Ireland’ was written for the general reader by what Holywell Trust described as "two of the island’s most renowned political journalists". The book gives an up to date, comprehensive, evidence-based examination of the arguments for and against Irish unity.

Structured in four parts, it gives each writer equal room to champion and to challenge the case for Irish unity.

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride co-authors of ‘For and Against a United Ireland’.

From the deceptively simple question ‘What does a ‘united Ireland’ actually mean?’ to the hard headed calculus of public services, taxation, and identity, O’Toole and McBride probe every fault line with forensic precision and intellectual flair.

The text is illustrated with cartoons by celebrated political artist Fergus Boylan.

The Holywell event will be chaired by Freya McClements, author and Northern Editor with The Irish Times.

Speaking about the discussion, Gerard Deane, director of Holywell Trust said: "This is an important event and publication that we are delighted to be hosting as part of our PeacePlus Forward Thinking project.

"The constitutional question is ongoing in our communities and as an organisation we want to ensure that there is a fact-based and balanced conversation on our possible futures. Fintan and Sam bring a deep understanding of the constitutional debate and key insights that will help inform the wider conversation around this important issue."

Derry anaesthetist and equality campaigner receives prestigious BAPIO award

Dr Mukesh Chugh was presented with the National Award for Outstanding Contributions to Equality and Diversity

Remains of Lisahally WW2 wharfs where U-boats surrendered listed

The monuments are among some of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems to receive the protected status

The Forward Thinking project is supported by PEACE PLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under the theme of Celebrating Cultural Diversity.

Forward Thinking is an adult dialogue project focused around the future of North- South and East-West relationships. It includes exploring constitutional questions and challenges from a diverse range of perspectives, and considers NI in a global context.

To find out more please visit: www.holywelltrust.com/forward-thinking

'For and Against a United Ireland’ was published by the RIA on October 20, 2025 in paperback (ISBN 9781802050356), e-book and audiobook.

It is available to purchase at Little Acorns Bookstore, 18 Great James St. Derry. Attendees will also be able to buy a signed copy on the night.