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A decade after the UK embarked on a rushed public vote that divided the nation and caused disorder, a advisory is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical might transpire with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking disturbances for which no one is ready.

That conveys the caution from two prominent journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Not Ready

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a possibly tense and monumental public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can build support very quickly," the commentator said. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our region remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Seeks to Stir Debate

The team have analysed the political, economic and cultural reasons for any constitutional change in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the topic with a series of speaking events that will take them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What troubles everyone, or ought to concern all involved, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose consequences have not been clarified because then you land with an highly polarised community where people who have lost are not reconciled to losing and the people who have won lack clarity exactly what it is that they have gained."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a referendum on Irish unity if it seems probable that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say that moment is looming, and a organisation called Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions downplay the likelihood, leaving it unclear if and when there might be a referendum.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has hidden the lack of serious debate, noted McBride.

"Many are for or against the concept but the actual thinking which could extend past that to realise it hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has occurred in universities but hardly any elected officials or activists are willing to participate with the basics. As an example, which kind of country might be preferred? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, no writer supports unification or the status quo. Both composes two articles that aim for impartiality in laying out the argument for a united Ireland and the case against, gathering economic and societal figures, historical precedents and structural examples.

Discussions encompass flags and symbols, taxes, health services, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the risk of loyalist violence. The objective is to enlighten and provoke dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there is still lacking a debate," said the writer. "Dialogue indicates an acceptance of the concept that there may exist reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters say they support unification but oppose greater financial contributions or implementing a alternative symbol to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to work out what the offer from Irish nationalism is other than just saying: 'We want a unified Ireland and we love you'," said the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride thinks a national vote in his era is likely and that it could happen suddenly. "You could have just a mad or a ill-advised or a feckless government minister who says: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have credible, legitimate perspectives, he said. "Somebody will win on this issue and the other side will in the end be defeated but all factions has possesses valuable insights to acquire from the alternative arguments."

Request for More Extensive Debate

Westminster should participate in the discussion, stated the analyst. "This is about Britain. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."