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A decade after the UK stumbled into a hurried public vote that divided the country and triggered chaos, a advisory is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Policymakers and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical may happen with a referendum on a unified Ireland, initiating upheavals for which nobody is ready.

That represents the warning from two respected journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly tense and seismic referendum.

"The lesson of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can gain traction rapidly," O’Toole stated. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our islands remains very unstable."

Released Volume Aims to Encourage Dialogue

The duo have studied the political, financial and cultural rationales for any constitutional change in a book, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to provoke discussion on the matter with a roadshow of lectures that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles everybody, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We do not want a referendum on a binary, vague proposition whose consequences have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an highly polarised community where those defeated are not reconciled to losing and the victorious side lack clarity exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unity if it seems probable that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists argue that moment is approaching, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the prospect, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there might be a referendum.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Partisan language for and against unity has hidden the absence of substantive discussion, noted the journalist.

"Individuals are often for or against the notion but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has gone on in scholarly circles but scarcely any politicians or campaigners seek to involve themselves with the essentials. For instance, which kind of country would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, none of the commentators supports unity or the existing arrangement. They writes two articles that strive for neutrality in detailing the argument for a united Ireland and the rationale against, marshalling financial and societal figures, previous instances and governmental frameworks.

Arguments encompass national emblems, taxes, medical care, retirement funds, national debt responsibilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to enlighten and provoke dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," said O’Toole. "Debate indicates an acceptance of the idea that there could be good arguments on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens say they favour unification but refuse greater financial contributions or introducing a different emblem to reflect pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to work out what the proposal from Irish nationalism is other than just saying: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we love you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist believes a national vote in his era is likely and that it could happen abruptly. "There might be just a mad or a bad or a feckless secretary of state who states: 'We should proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, legitimate perspectives, he said. "One side will succeed in this matter and the other side will eventually be defeated but each side has possesses something to learn from the opposing positions."

Call for Broader Debate

Westminster should engage with the dialogue, urged the analyst. "This is about your state. It's a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."