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A decade following the UK entered into a hurried public vote that divided the nation and triggered disorder, a caution comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical may happen with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking convulsions for which nobody is equipped.

That is the message from two respected journalists from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Unprepared

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a possibly contentious and transformative public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gather momentum swiftly," the commentator remarked. "It is my view that the institutional structure of our islands remains very unstable."

Book Publication Aims to Provoke Discussion

The team have analysed the governmental, financial and cultural rationales for any structural alteration in a volume, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the issue with a series of lectures that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What haunts everyone, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We should prevent a national vote on a binary, unclear proposal whose implications have not been spelled out because then you land with an extremely divided society where the losing side are resistant to losing and the those successful are uncertain precisely what it is that they have gained."

Legal Framework

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a referendum on Irish unification if it appears likely that a majority would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups say such a time is approaching, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the possibility, leaving it unclear whether or when there might be a referendum.

Insufficient Serious Debate

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has masked the shortage of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to realise it is mostly absent. A lot has occurred in scholarly circles but very few politicians or advocates want to engage with even the essentials. For instance, which kind of country would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the book, none of the commentators advocates unification or the status quo. Both writes two articles that aim for impartiality in detailing the rationale for a united Ireland and the argument against, marshalling financial and social statistics, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Discussions cover flags and symbols, levies, healthcare systems, elderly benefits, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of loyalist violence. The objective is to inform and stimulate dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the subject but there has not yet occurred a debate," said the writer. "Debate suggests an acceptance of the idea that there might be valid points on either side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where the electorate claim they favour unity but reject greater financial contributions or implementing a new flag to recognise unionists' British identity.

"The Irish government does need to work out what the offer from nationalist groups is other than just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we love you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride considers a national vote in his era is likely and that it might occur abruptly. "You could have just a mad or a bad or a negligent secretary of state who declares: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate perspectives, he said. "Somebody will prevail on this issue and somebody will in the end not succeed but each side has has valuable insights to gain from the alternative positions."

Call for Broader Debate

Westminster needed to engage with the debate, urged the analyst. "This is about your state. It's a UK matter as much as it is an Irish matter."