Borderland – UK or United Ireland?

Episode 8 - Come Together

In this final episode, the team are in Belfast and Dublin to find out if and how a united Ireland would work. Chris Buckler takes former MPs Michelle Gildernew and Ian Paisley to the Irish Parliament, where they get the views from politicians there. A panel of experts also discuss the practicalities and pitfalls of any future united Ireland. The two co-hosts reflect on the last few weeks of their podcast journey.

Episode 7 – Stirring Up Troubles

Chris Buckler, along with former MPs Ian Paisley and Michelle Gildernew, explores issues around the constitutional future of Northern Ireland. In this episode Chris looks at the potential risks to peace and years of political progress if a Border Poll was held. What would it mean for the fragile power-sharing Northern Ireland Assembly ? He hears from a former PSNI Chief Constable and travels to the Belfast peace wall to get the views of former Republican and Loyalist prisoners. He also speaks to RTE broadcaster and comedian Oliver Callan.

Episode 6 – The Campaign

The Campaign. Chris Buckler, along with former MPs Ian Paisley and Michelle Gildernew, explore issues around the constitutional future of Northern Ireland. What could campaigners from both sides of the border poll argument learn from the experiences of some of the biggest referenda of modern times. Chris brings his co-hosts to Edinburgh to find out what lessons can be learned from the Scottish independence referendum in 2014.

Episode 5 – English Nationalism and the NHS

English nationalism and the NHS. Chris Buckler, along with former MPs Ian Paisley and Michelle Gildernew, explore issues around the constitutional future and status of Northern Ireland. Chris travels to England to hear the views of people there. Would they care if Northern Ireland left the UK ? and the NHS has long been cited by unionists as one of the key practical advantages of the Union. Is the future of the health service still an issue that could sway voters in any future Border Poll?

Episode 4 – The Price of Unity

Presenter Chris Buckler along with former MP’s Ian Paisley and Michelle Gildernew explore issues around the constitutional future of Northern Ireland. In Episode 4 - The Price of Unity – Chris takes his co-hosts to Co. Offaly to hear the views of people living there on a potential Border Poll. We also hear from former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. They speak to Economists and business experts on the economic reality of any future United Ireland.