Episode 156: Paul Howard — A united Ireland. But whose flag, whose anthem, whose rules?

E156 | Paul Howard: A united Ireland. But whose flag, whose anthem, whose rules?

Would you vote for a united Ireland if it meant changing the flag? The national anthem? The Constitution? And should we settle those questions before asking people to vote? On Episode 156 of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL welcome Paul Howard, creator of Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, to discuss his new satirical novel, A Nation Once Again. Its premise: a fictional government department has been preparing for Irish unity since 1958. Turning the aspiration into an actual plan proves rather more complicated. Paul describes himself as agnostic on reunification and open to persuasion. He explains why the argument needs to move beyond green versus orange, why compromise may leave everyone slightly dissatisfied, and why a premature border poll could set the project back for a generation. Along the way: • The solicitor’s letter over a 50-word rugby report that helped inspire Ross O’Carroll-Kelly’s lawyer. • Why comedy can open up conversations that serious political debate struggles to reach. • Flags, anthems, policing and the practicalities of bringing two systems together. • Why Ireland’s Call might offer an unlikely lesson in compromise. • Paul’s prediction of a border poll within ten years—and Mark’s reasons for disagreeing.

The Decisis case review Peter and Mark also discuss three Irish decisions from Decisis.ie: • Merck Serono S.A. v The Controller of Intellectual Property: an unsuccessful appeal concerning a supplementary protection certificate for a medicine. • Minister for Justice v Curtin: surrender to the UK, errors in a warrant and objections concerning prison conditions. • Kerr v Moran: joint tenancy, intended ownership arrangements and the refusal to dismiss a solicitors’ negligence claim as statute-barred. The case-law section is sponsored by Charltons Solicitors & Collaborative Practitioners, George’s Street, Dún Laoghaire, whose services include family law, civil litigation, property, wills and probate.

Paul’s recommendations: • Death in the City of Light — David King. • I, Fatty — Jerry Stahl. • Intermission — his favourite comfort film, accompanied by a wonderful story about meeting Colm Meaney. Presented by Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL.

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