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Ten years after the UK stumbled into a rushed referendum that divided the nation and triggered turmoil, a advisory comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, triggering upheavals for which nobody is prepared.

That is the message from two respected writers from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a possibly contentious and monumental referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can build support swiftly," the commentator said. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our region remains highly fragile."

Book Publication Aims to Stir Debate

The duo have studied the political, financial and societal arguments for any governmental shift in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the issue with a tour of lectures that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts all parties, or must worry every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We must avoid a referendum on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose implications have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extremely split population where people who have lost are resistant to defeat and the those successful lack clarity exactly what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unification if it seems probable that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups claim such a time is imminent, and a group called Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists play down the possibility, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there might be a national vote.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has masked the absence of informed dialogue, said McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the concrete planning which may surpass that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but hardly any elected officials or advocates want to engage even with the fundamentals. As an example, what type of nation would you want? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, no writer endorses unification or the existing arrangement. They writes two articles that aim for neutrality in presenting the rationale for a unified Ireland and the rationale opposing it, marshalling economic and societal statistics, previous instances and governmental frameworks.

Debates cover flags and symbols, levies, health services, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The objective is to enlighten and stimulate dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there is still lacking a dialogue," stated the writer. "Dialogue suggests an acknowledgement of the notion that there might be good arguments on either side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

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

"Authorities in Dublin does need to work out what the offer from pro-unification movements is aside from just saying: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," remarked O’Toole.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist considers a referendum in his generation is possible and that it might occur suddenly. "You could have just a reckless or a bad or a feckless secretary of state who states: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, justified perspectives, he stated. "Somebody will succeed here and somebody will in the end not succeed but all factions has got important lessons to gain from the alternative viewpoints."

Appeal for Broader Dialogue

Westminster should join the discussion, said O’Toole. "This involves your state. It's a British question equally as it is an Irish issue."