#795 Close The Irish Border And Stop Chaotic Immigration

A new Red C poll suggests that public attitudes towards Ireland's border are changing, with more than a third of voters saying they would support the return of a hard border with Northern Ireland if it helped tackle illegal immigration. The findings come amid growing concern over claims that some asylum seekers are travelling into the Republic via Northern Ireland after first arriving in the UK, raising fresh questions about how Ireland protects its borders.On this episode, Niall is joined by journalist and former barrister Laura Perrins, whose writing on immigration, border security and Irish politics has sparked widespread debate through her Substack, The West Brit. Laura has argued that Ireland needs a more realistic conversation about immigration, asylum policy and the state's ability to control who enters the country.Supporters of tighter border controls say protecting the integrity of the asylum system is essential and that failing to properly police the border only encourages abuse, putting further pressure on housing, public services and taxpayers. Critics argue that any move towards a hard border would risk damaging North South relations, undermine the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and create political tensions that many believed had been left in the past.So where should the balance be struck? Is it time to accept that stronger border controls are necessary to restore confidence in Ireland's immigration system, or would reintroducing a hard border create more problems than it solves?Join Niall and Laura Perrins for a robust discussion on one of the most divisive political questions facing Ireland today.