Professor John Doyle of Dublin City University (DCU) will launch his new book, Before the Vote: Planning for a United Ireland, at Holywell Trust in Derry-Londonderry on Wednesday 7th October.
The book does not argue for or against Irish unity, but instead sets out an evidence base to support public planning and debate ahead of any future referendum, and argues that advance discussion is essential to avoid the confusion and misinformation associated with the Brexit campaigns.
Drawing on new research, the book compares economic conditions and public policy in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including living standards, education, welfare systems, gender equality and health. It includes the first detailed comparison of the two health systems, covering outcomes, waiting lists and staffing numbers. It also reviews existing research on the different levels of economic growth in the two jurisdictions since the Good Friday Agreement, and examines the arguments for and against retaining a Northern Ireland Assembly and power-sharing within a united Ireland, alongside other approaches to guaranteeing minority rights.
Looking ahead, the book analyses opinion polls with widely differing results, alongside election results, attitude surveys and long-term demographic change, to consider the likely outcome of a referendum.
Author Professor John Doyle, said: “‘Before the Vote’ does not argue for or against a united Ireland, rather, it argues that we need to prepare now, as the timing of a vote is very uncertain and not in the control of an Irish Government.
“It is simply unreasonable to wait for a majority to emerge for unity inside Northern Ireland, if the Irish Government and Oireachtas does not set out in detail what a united Ireland would look like, in policy areas such as the economy, health, pensions and welfare, education, equality and minority rights.
“This book addresses these areas directly, and does so with a focus on the evidence rather than on any preferred outcome.”
Gerard Deane, Director at Holywell Trust, said: “Questions about the future constitutional arrangements on this island are being discussed more widely than at any point in recent years, and informed discussion depends on people having clear and accessible research to draw on.
“Professor Doyle’s book sets out the evidence on health, the economy, living standards and political structures without arguing for any outcome. That is a valuable contribution, and we are pleased to provide a space at Holywell where people can engage with it directly, ask questions and hear different perspectives.”
Before the Vote is digitally open access and free to download. Print copies are available for €20/£20 during the book tour from DCU Press or select bookshops
The launch takes place at Holywell Trust, 10–12 Bishop Street, Derry-Londonderry, BT48 6PW, on Wednesday 7th October 2026 at 7.00pm.
