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A decade after the UK entered into a hurried public vote that split the country and caused disorder, a advisory emerges from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and citizens entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical may happen with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking upheavals for which no one is ready.

That is the message from two leading writers from either side of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the pros and cons of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Institutions Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a potentially tense and monumental public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that developments can emerge unexpectedly and can build support swiftly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains very unstable."

Book Publication Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The pair have studied the governmental, financial and cultural rationales for any governmental shift in a book, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to provoke discussion on the issue with a roadshow of public talks that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

"What troubles everyone, or must worry every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We must avoid a national vote on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an highly polarised community where the losing side are not reconciled to losing and the people who have won are uncertain quite what it is that they have won."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists argue that moment is looming, and a non-profit called Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but both governments and pro-UK factions play down the prospect, leaving it unclear whether or when there could be a referendum.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unification has masked the lack of informed dialogue, said McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A great deal has occurred in academia but scarcely any government figures or activists seek to involve themselves with the basics. For instance, what sort of state would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, none of the commentators endorses unity or the existing arrangement. They writes two pieces that aim for neutrality in laying out the rationale for a united Ireland and the argument against, gathering financial and social statistics, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Discussions encompass flags and symbols, taxes, healthcare systems, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The goal is to inform and stimulate discussion.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there has not yet occurred a debate," stated the writer. "Debate implies an recognition of the concept that there could be good arguments on each side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens say they favour unification but reject greater financial contributions or introducing a new flag to reflect unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin should work out what the proposal from pro-unification movements is other than just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we welcome you'," stated the commentator.

Probability of Referendum

The journalist considers a national vote in his era is possible and that it could happen suddenly. "It is possible just a mad or a bad or a negligent secretary of state who states: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have plausible, justified points, he commented. "Somebody will prevail here and somebody will eventually not succeed but both parties has got important lessons to acquire from the alternative viewpoints."

Call for Broader Debate

Westminster must engage with the debate, urged the analyst. "This is about Britain. It's a British question as much as it is an Irish question."