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Ten years after the UK entered into a hasty public vote that polarised the country and triggered chaos, a advisory emerges from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Policymakers and electorate entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar could occur with a national vote on a unified Ireland, triggering upheavals for which nobody is ready.

That represents the warning from two prominent journalists from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the pros and cons of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Establishments Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially contentious and seismic referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can build support rapidly," the commentator said. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains very unstable."

Book Publication Aims to Stir Debate

The duo have examined the governmental, economic and cultural rationales for any structural alteration in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the matter with a tour of public talks that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts all parties, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, vague proposition whose results have not been clarified because then you end up with an highly polarised community where the losing side are unable to accept defeat and the victorious side don't know exactly what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unification if it seems probable that a majority would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups say such a time is imminent, and a group named Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the likelihood, making it uncertain if and when there will be a referendum.

Lack of Serious Debate

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has hidden the absence of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"Many are supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to achieve it has largely not occurred. Much has gone on in scholarly circles but hardly any politicians or activists seek to involve themselves with even the essentials. For instance, what sort of state would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, no writer advocates unity or the current situation. Both composes two pieces that strive for impartiality in laying out the argument for a unified Ireland and the argument against, marshalling financial and societal figures, past examples and structural examples.

Discussions cover identity markers, taxes, healthcare systems, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the risk of unionist unrest. The objective is to enlighten and encourage dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the subject but there hasn't quite been a discussion," commented the writer. "Discussion implies an recognition of the notion that there may exist valid points on either side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where voters report they support unity but reject paying higher taxes or introducing a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to work out what the offer from nationalist groups is other than just declaring: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," said O’Toole.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist considers a referendum in his era is probable and that it could happen suddenly. "It is possible just a mad or a poor or a negligent official who says: 'Let's just do this and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have reasonable, legitimate perspectives, he stated. "Somebody will win in this matter and the other side will ultimately not succeed but each side has possesses valuable insights to acquire from the other's positions."

Request for Broader Discussion

Westminster should participate in the dialogue, stated O’Toole. "This concerns Britain. It is a British question equally as it is an Irish question."