Before the Vote: Planning for a United Ireland

Book launch and signing by Prof John Doyle Hosted by Prof Gary Murphy as part of the PSAI 2026 Conference, Prof John Doyle's new book 'Before the Vote', launched by Prof Jon Tonge of University of Liverpool. 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. 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. Gary Murphy is a native of Cork City, and Professor of Politics at Dublin City University. His acclaimed biography of Charles Haughey, was the first study to have access to Haughey's private papers. His most recent book Brian Cowen: Anatomy of a Taoiseach, was published in September 2026 Jon Tonge is Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool. Since 2010 he has led the Economic and Social Research Council's Northern Ireland General Election studies, and one of Britain's foremost experts on Northern Ireland's politics. His most recent books on Northern Ireland are a trilogy of book length studies on the Alliance Party, the Ulster Unionist Party and the DUP