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A decade following the UK entered into a hurried public vote that polarised the country and unleashed chaos, a caution emerges from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Authorities and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical could occur with a national vote on a unified 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 collaborated to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are extremely unprepared for a possibly tense and monumental referendum.

"The lesson of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator stated. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our region remains highly fragile."

New Title Aims to Encourage Dialogue

The pair have analysed the political, financial and cultural reasons for any governmental shift in a volume, For and Against a United Ireland, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to encourage dialogue on the matter with a roadshow of speaking events that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles all parties, or ought to concern all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We should prevent a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, ambiguous question whose implications have remained undefined because then you end up with an highly polarised community where the losing side are not reconciled to defeat and the people who have won are uncertain precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups say such a time is imminent, and a group named Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the prospect, leaving it unclear when or if there might be a referendum.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unification has hidden the absence of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to achieve it is mostly absent. A great deal has gone on in academia but very few politicians or advocates seek to involve themselves with the basics. For instance, which kind of country might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the volume, no writer advocates unity or the status quo. Both writes two pieces that aim for objectivity in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the argument opposing it, marshalling economic and societal data, historical precedents and structural examples.

Arguments cover national emblems, levies, healthcare systems, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The objective is to educate and encourage discussion.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there is still lacking a debate," stated O’Toole. "Dialogue indicates an recognition of the concept that there could be good arguments on each side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens claim they favour unification but reject greater financial contributions or introducing a alternative symbol to recognise pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin must work out what the plan from Irish nationalism is beyond just saying: 'We want a united Ireland and we value you'," remarked O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist thinks a referendum in his lifetime is likely and that it could happen suddenly. "There might be just a reckless or a ill-advised or a feckless government minister who says: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Both nationalists and unionists have reasonable, valid points, he commented. "Somebody will prevail on this issue and somebody will ultimately be defeated but all factions has has important lessons to acquire from the other's viewpoints."

Request for Broader Dialogue

Westminster must engage with the debate, stated O’Toole. "This involves Britain. It's a UK matter as much as it is an Irish issue."