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A decade following the UK entered into a hurried referendum that divided the nation and caused chaos, a advisory emerges from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Policymakers and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the same may happen with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking upheavals for which nobody is equipped.

That represents the warning from two respected journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly contentious and seismic public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can come out of the blue and can build support swiftly," the commentator stated. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our islands remains very unstable."

Released Volume Intends to Stir Debate

The duo have studied the political, financial and cultural reasons for any constitutional change in a volume, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the topic with a tour of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What haunts all parties, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We must avoid a referendum on a yes-no, vague proposition whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily split population where those defeated are unable to accept losing and the victorious side are uncertain quite what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state should call a referendum on Irish unity if it seems probable that a most voters would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists argue such a time is looming, and a group called pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions play down the likelihood, leaving it unclear whether or when there might be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unity has obscured the absence of serious debate, stated McBride.

"Many are for or against the notion but the concrete planning which could extend past that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but scarcely any elected officials or campaigners want to engage even with the basics. For instance, what type of nation would you want? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the book, neither author advocates unification or the existing arrangement. Both authors two articles that aim for impartiality in detailing the argument for a united Ireland and the case opposing it, gathering financial and societal data, past examples and structural examples.

Arguments range over identity markers, taxes, healthcare systems, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the threat of loyalist violence. The goal is to inform and stimulate discussion.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there hasn't quite been a discussion," stated the writer. "Discussion indicates an acceptance of the notion that there may exist valid points on each side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where the electorate claim they support unity but oppose greater financial contributions or implementing a new flag to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland must determine what the proposal from pro-unification movements is beyond just declaring: 'We seek a united Ireland and we love you'," remarked O’Toole.

Probability of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a national vote in his era is likely and that it could happen suddenly. "There might be just a mad or a ill-advised or a feckless secretary of state who says: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have reasonable, legitimate arguments, he said. "One side will succeed in this matter and the other side will in the end not succeed but each side has has something to learn from the alternative arguments."

Request for Broader Debate

Westminster must engage with the debate, urged the analyst. "This concerns your state. It's a UK matter equally as it is an Irish issue."