Our Union

Get the Facts; Shape the Future

UNIONIST TOWNHALL EVENT

Newtownards Event

Promoting the Union takes all of us:

  • Hear the facts, myths and opportunities from our panel of activists and experts.

  • Shape the future of Unionism by taking part in our poll on the evening.

Hear directly from a panel of leading experts and activists as they dissect the facts, challenge common myths, and explore new opportunities for Unionism.

This isn't just a lecture – actively participate through our live interactive poll. Share your views and help shape the path forward for Unionism.

This event is free and open to everyone interested in the future of the Union.

Featuring:

  • Pete Shirlow: University Professor, Commentator and Author

  • Lee Reynolds: Together UK Foundation, Commentator and Activist

  • Philip Smith: Uniting UK, Commentator and Activist

  • Alison Grundle: We Make NI and Panel Chair

When?

7.30pm

Tuesday 27 May 2025

Where?

Queen’s Hall

West Street

Newtownards

BT23 4EN

Press Release

A public meeting will be held next Tuesday, 27 May at 7.30pm at the Queen’s Hall in Newtownards to debate how best to promote the Union. The meeting is open to all and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a poll and to question the speakers.

Professor Pete Shirlow and Lee Reynolds have been touring Northern Ireland to talk about how unionists can best promote the Union in 2025. Their speaking tour was featured in an episode of the BBC’s The View in February and on 27 May they come to the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards.

At this event they will be joined by pro-Union campaign group Uniting UK representative Philip Smith, and Alison Grundle from WeMakeNI who will chair the event.

The event is titled ‘Our Union: Get the Facts; Shape the Future’ and will feature technology to enable attendees to share their views on the future of unionism.

"This isn't just a lecture, those attending will have the opportunity to actively participate through our live interactive poll. It is your chance to share your views and help shape the path forward for unionism. Hear directly from a panel of leading experts and activists as they dissect the facts, challenge common myths, and explore new opportunities for unionism. I would urge those who value Northern Ireland and the Union and who want to shape the way forward for unionism, to come along and have your say. The event is free and open to everyone interested in the future of the Union. This series of events has seen packed halls across Northern Ireland and on Tuesday it is Ards and North Down’s opportunity to have its say."

Philip Smith

"At 7.30pm on 27 May at Queen’s Hall, Newtownards an event is being held that will inform a debate in which your views will be valued on how we maximise the social and economic potential of Northern Ireland for the benefit of all of us who live here. Examine how to further deepen our relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom and appreciate that greater partnership between the people of this island, where it makes sense, is something to be relaxed about. To inform the debate will be Lee Reynolds and Professor Peter Shirlow with facts highlighting so much that is good about here and a strategy to make what is already good, even better. Philip Smith will add suggestions as to the shape of what the future can be, with constructive input welcomed. All expertly chaired by Alison Grundle. The ideas will then be considered and a document taking the ideas on board circulated."

Trevor Ringland

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or comments about the event in Newtownards, please get in touch.

Email us at ards@niin.uk

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