Jon Burrows MLA at @macgillschool.bsky.social on why he joined @uuponline.bsky.social and got into politics after his police career, says: "I looked at Northern Ireland, and I thought we could do better. Peace is no longer enough. We've got relative peace, but we need to kick on with prosperity."

The "Unionism in 2026" talk here at the MacGill Summer School (supported by @notredame.bsky.social) with 'For and Against a United Ireland' co-author and Northern Ireland Editor of the @belfasttelegraph.co.uk, @sjamcbride.bsky.social, and Leader of the @uuponline.bsky.social, Jon Burrows MLA.

Andy Burnham has been “fastidiously careful not to go down the international political path that [Keir] Starmer chose… Burnham cannot avoid the international stage.” @lisaocarroll.bsky.social @macgillschool.bsky.social Day 3 👋 @ria.ie @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

Day 2 of the Summer School concluded tonight with our follow up panel to 'The Strong Do What They Can' production. @brigidlaffan.bsky.social , Cathal Berry, Sarah Carey, Mike Ryan, and Colin Barr from @notredame.bsky.social discussing the 2,500-year history of the realist school of foreign policy!

Professor Theresa Reidy praises the work of the ARINS Project in 'asking the questions that need to be asked' of the public as conversations around constitutional futures continue. @notredame.bsky.social @ndirishstudies.bsky.social @ria.ie @ucc.ie

Today at MacGill Sam McBride speaks to the room in Donegal, arguing that Northern Ireland matters for this jurisdiction. He critiques what he see's as a failing system, where Stormont has a 34% approval rating and argues that this is a crisis ‘with multiple heads’. @ria.ie @notredame.bsky.social

At @macgillschool.bsky.social Day 2, Dr Frances Ruane discusses the need for a public conversation on what this island might look like, highlighting shared problems in big infrastructure projects across the island of Ireland 🏗️💬 @ria.ie @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

For and Against Neutrality? This evening’s panel unpack Ireland’s policy of neutrality at #MacGill2026 🗣️ @donnachadcu.bsky.social 🗣️ @ivanabacik.bsky.social 🗣️ Cathal Berry Chaired by @brigidlaffan.bsky.social @ndirishstudies.bsky.social @ria.ie @macgillschool.bsky.social

When questioned on how Ireland can deliver "value for money," Albert Dolan discusses "what gets measured gets managed" and how increasing oversight of government spending will increase project delivery for the people. #MacGill26 @notredame.bsky.social @ndirishstudies.bsky.social 📸 Johnny Bambury

Here at the MacGill Summer School Vanessa Hartley, head of Google Ireland, discusses that investment in Ireland is due to stability, cooperation, conversation, & the ability to "get things done", but warns about infrastructure and competitiveness. @notredame.bsky.social @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

Martin Naughton passionately believed in Ireland. He did so much in business, education & philanthropy that had a positive impact on this country. He understood the transformative power of education and empowered so many of his fellow citizens to fulfil their true potential.

📣 The latest episode of 'My Identity' is now available. This live episode with Colin Graham, Joy Gerrard and Paul Seawright was a collaboration with the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression at Belfast Exposed. 🎧 Listen here: Spotify: lnkd.in/eZWmYwZK Soundcloud: lnkd.in/eNQfH6Ta

An incredibly insightful and interesting conversation with Kimberley Cowell-Meyers and Carolyn Gallaher yesterday on their new book Building a Green Wall: Irish America’s Resurgence Post-Brexit. 📺 Lecture will be available on ARINS youtube soon. @ria.ie @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

"middle-ground identities in Northern Ireland are shown to be most popular among young people from a Protestant background", Kevin McNicholl argues in the latest ARINS research paper. 📖Read it open access here: muse.jhu.edu/pub/423/arti...

🎙️The 50th episode of The ARINS Podcast with Rory Montgomery is out now! Professor Nikos Skoutaris discusses his recent article on Cyprus and Ireland. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/5Uqr... Read the article: muse.jhu.edu/pub/423/arti...

New #ARINS research asks a simple but important question: Who is Better Off? Updated cross-border analysis by the @esri.ie finds widening gaps in income, education, health outcomes, and overall quality of life, North and South. Read the research here: bit.ly/4nlm8UP

This event is almost fully booked, don't miss out on attending. Register here: www.ria.ie/events/arins... @ihrec.bsky.social @nihrc.bsky.social @cjharvey1.bsky.social @ria.ie @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

Protecting human rights on a shared island: achievements, challenges & prospects 📅 12 May 16:30 📍 Royal Irish Academy With Alyson Kilpatrick (NI Human Rights Commission) & Liam Herrick (IHREC), chaired by Professor Colin Harvey (QUB). Drinks reception to follow. Register: bit.ly/4eohL92

Mid-week read: How can grassroots dialogue reshape Ireland’s constitutional future? McEvoy, Todd & Deane show that cross-community deliberation can move debate “beyond ideology and identity.” Small conversations, big impact. Read it here: bit.ly/4dzgEDc @shelleydeane.bsky.social

Wrapping up, both note the positive reaction to the book both here in the United States and at home. Fintan attributes this to the form of the book - it does not tell people what to think, but invites them to consider all arguments. @ria.ie @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

Discussing arguments AGAINST Irish unity Fintan focuses on economic cost - many would vote in favour but change their minds if this means higher taxes. Sam notes that we can’t ignore the possibility of violence, but nor can we ‘say that he with the biggest gun gets to decide the future…’

We are delighted to be at @bostoncollege.bsky.social this afternoon for another For and Against conversation. With huge thanks to Mary C Murphy, Guy Beiner and their teams. A packed room as the discussion gets underway with Fintan O'Toole and Sam McBride! @ndirishstudies.bsky.social @ria.ie

'For and against a united Ireland' by Sam McBride and Fintan O’Toole has won the 29th Ewart-Biggs Prize! 🏆 🎉🍾 The Ewart-Biggs Prize recognises work that promotes peace, reconciliation and greater understanding. @ria.ie @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

Happy St Patrick’s Day! Celebrating the culture, history, and shared traditions of the island of Ireland and our global community.

ARINS is in New York! We are delighted to be at the Irish Arts Center this evening for For and Against with @fotoole.bsky.social and Sam McBride. Thanks to the IAC for hosting us - looking forward to an interesting conversation. @notredame.bsky.social @ndirishstudies.bsky.social @ria.ie

New #ARINS Podcast!🎙️ Rory Montgomery speaks with Prof. Brendan O’Leary (UPenn) and Prof. John McGarry (QUB) about their newly published article, My Symbols or Our Symbols?, co-authored with Dr. James Pow. Spotify: bit.ly/4rWj2rZ SoundCloud: bit.ly/4lhz4u2 Article: muse.jhu.edu/article/9700...

Tonight’s conversation with Leo Varadkar here at @ndirishstudies.bsky.social discusses the importance of utilising expertise to drive informed discussion around the constitutional future of the island. @ria.ie

Snow outside, big conversations inside ❄️ Today at Notre Dame: Leo Varadkar in conversation on Ireland’s constitutional future and the ARINS Project. 4:00–5:30pm Jenkins Nanovic Halls Forum, Notre Dame, IN, USA #ARINSProject @ndirishstudies.bsky.social

ARINS was in Edinburgh this week! Thank you to the British Irish Chamber of Commerce for hosting a roundtable with Jerry O’Donovan and Sarah Keating. Delighted to connect with colleagues in St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and with the Scottish Council on Global Affairs. Exciting plans ahead!