Irish Unity Dividend

BEN COLLINS grew up in a strongly pro-unionist and pro-British background in East Belfast. Previously an active member of the UK Conservative Party in Scotland from 2001 to 2003 and then a campaigner for the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland, he is not a member of any political party. Ben is a former Chief Executive of NIFHA (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, for three international communications consultancies, a professional body and a medical regulator. He has an MSc in Political Communication, an MBA and a Law degree, and is licensed to practise as an attorney in New York State. He resides in his home city of Belfast, working across the island of Ireland. He has previously lived and worked in Edinburgh, Dublin, Cardiff and London.

Whatever your views on Irish unification, with this timely book Ben Collins offers us fresh insight and perspective into its consequences. IAIN DALEI commend this book for setting out the many benefits which will arise from the reunification of Ireland. Regardless of background or beliefs, there will be an Irish Unity Dividend for all who live across this island. MARY McALEESEUnionists should listen to Ben and ask: are my best interests served in the uk? BRIAN FEENEY, IRISH NEWSThe book succeeds in translating often over-complicated arguments on the potential benefits of constitutional change on the island of Ireland in a way that is relatable to peoples everyday lived experiences. The benefits of constitutional change across a range of areas including education, housing, health and the economy are laid out using a systematic, clear and positive approach. The author has meticulously used all available source material to ensure that each chapter is underpinned by the most relevant data and research. I highly recommend this book to any reader interested in furthering their understanding of the potential benefits of constitutional change on the Island of Ireland. PROFESSOR SEAMUS McGUINNESSThere are many important features to this book which makes it both a timely and essentialread especially for those advocating a new and independent Ireland. Ben grew up in a staunch unionist and British family, yet he felt Irish. His upbringing did not suppress his Irishness. He is part of a vocal civic group from a unionist and Protestant background; their voices constantly reminding us about Ireland’s diverse people and the need for a new Ireland to reflect and legally guarantee this diversity, especially the unionist and British cultural tradition. Ireland’s President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin, in office, pioneered and embraced this diversity. And this is the kernel of the book – the many benefits – a new Ireland will bring to its people. It’s a ‘nuts and bolts’ book – and answers all the anxious questions about being better off or not. It is a practical guide to leaving partition behind and seamlessly moving to living in an Ireland with one of everything – an economy, a health service, an agricultural industry, an education system and a welfare state and peace and prosperity for all. MARY LOU McDONALD TD, President of Sinn FéinMeticulously researched and rich in evidence based analysis, Ben Collin’s new book is required reading for anyone interested in the debate over Ireland’s future. ANDREA CATHERWOODBen Collins' book make a crucial contribution to public debate, in setting out in such clear terms the key issues at stake in a future referendum on a new and united Ireland. I think it will be of interest in particular to those beyond the Irish nationalist community who are thinking about the issues - whether they are (former) unionists, those who do not identity as nationalist or unionist, or the growing community of new arrivals in Northern Ireland. PROFESSOR JOHN DOYLE, DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITYCollins has provided a service by amassing a wealth of economic, social and political detail in a readable book. His work is devoid of the catastrophic warnings by comfortable, well-placed professionals in the south, who are scared rigid of any changes necessary to break the 20th-century partitionist mould. THE PHEONIXThe Irish Unity Dividend is an excellent, straightforward and accessible contribution to the Irish unity debate. It has been very well received by a wide range of respected figures, including former president Mary McAleese. It is highly recommended.DERRY NEWSIn his book The Irish Unity Dividend he stresses that whether one supports unification or remaining within the UK, preperation is needed to avoid repeating the chaos and self-harm of Brexit.DAVID HENNESSY, The Irish World