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A decade following the UK embarked on a hurried public vote that split the country and unleashed turmoil, a advisory is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the same could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which no one is ready.

That conveys the caution from two prominent commentators from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to scrutinise the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Unprepared

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

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can come out of the blue and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator said. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

New Title Seeks to Stir Debate

The duo have examined the political, financial and societal rationales for any structural alteration in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the matter with a roadshow of lectures that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns all parties, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We must avoid a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose consequences have not been clarified because then you end up with an extremely divided society where people who have lost are resistant to defeat and the victorious side are uncertain exactly what it is that they have won."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state must arrange a referendum on Irish unification if it appears likely that a majority would support.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue that moment is imminent, and a organisation named Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the prospect, leaving it unclear if and when there might be a national vote.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric for and against unity has hidden the shortage of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"Individuals are often for or against the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to make it possible is mostly absent. A great deal has taken place in academia but scarcely any politicians or activists are willing to participate even with the basics. To illustrate, which kind of country would you want? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, no writer endorses unity or the status quo. Both authors two articles that aim for neutrality in presenting the case for a unified Ireland and the case against, gathering economic and societal statistics, previous instances and structural examples.

Discussions cover national emblems, taxes, medical care, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the risk of pro-UK militancy. The objective is to enlighten and stimulate discussion.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there is still lacking a debate," commented O’Toole. "Discussion indicates an acceptance of the notion that there may exist reasonable perspectives on each side."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters say they favour unification but oppose paying higher taxes or adopting a different emblem to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland should work out what the plan from nationalist groups is aside from just stating: 'We want a united Ireland and we welcome you'," said the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist considers a national vote in his era is probable and that it might occur unexpectedly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a poor or a negligent secretary of state who declares: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have plausible, justified perspectives, he stated. "One side will win in this matter and somebody will eventually lose but each side has got important lessons to learn from the other's arguments."

Request for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster needed to participate in the debate, urged O’Toole. "This involves your state. It is a UK matter equally as it is an Irish issue."