Young people have a different lens on United Ireland, Martin tells podcast

Molly O'Reilly

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says it is ‘interesting’ that young people are not looking at a future United Ireland through the same lens as people historically have on the island.

On the issue of a United Ireland, the Taoiseach said: “My philosophy is it has to be about the unity of people, insofar as you can go, it’s not just about territory.”

He also discussed his experience of meetings with the Loyalist Communities Council and the debate over the Irish flag.

Martin was speaking as the first guest on a new six-part series of the podcast ‘How to Gael’, which tackles the question ‘How to: Unite Ireland?’

The hosts of the podcast, Louise Cantillon and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, are tackling the topic with leading figures and academics from across communities on the island of Ireland to discuss whether it's a realistic or romantic idea.

Other guests set to feature during the series include GAA President Jarlath Burns, PhD candidates Andrew Clarke - aka Tanistry - and Róisín Nic Liam, editor Sam McBride, and economist Stephen Kinsella.

The series follows the podcast Borderland, published by BBC Radio Ulster, which also tackled the question of Irish unity, which the How to Gael team said underlined the need for those in the Republic to seriously engage with the Northern question if there is to be any real debate on the possibility of a United Ireland. 

One of the hosts of the podcast, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, said the prospect of building a new state where our language and people are at the forefront is "undoubtedly attractive" but raises questions.

“Can it be done? Can we have a new Ireland where everyone feels welcome? What would that look like?

Co-host Louise Cantillon said: "For me, How To: Unite Ireland? is about taking the time to listen, to learn and to engage with a range of perspectives. It explores the lived experiences that shape how people feel about unity. It’s a complex and sensitive topic, and the series creates space for open, informed and respectful conversation."