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A decade after the UK entered into a hasty public vote that split the nation and triggered disorder, a advisory comes from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Authorities and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, initiating disturbances for which no one is prepared.

That represents the warning from two leading journalists from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Not Ready

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a potentially fraught and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that developments can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction swiftly," the commentator stated. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our region remains highly fragile."

New Title Aims to Stir Debate

The pair have studied the governmental, financial and societal reasons for any structural alteration in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the issue with a tour of public talks that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What troubles everyone, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose implications have not been clarified because then you land with an highly divided society where those defeated are unable to accept losing and the victorious side are uncertain precisely what it is that they have gained."

Legal Framework

Under the Good Friday agreement, 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 argue this point is imminent, and a non-profit called Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the prospect, resulting in ambiguity when or if there will be a national vote.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Partisan language for and against unity has hidden the lack of substantive discussion, noted McBride.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the idea but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to realise it has largely not occurred. A lot has gone on in academia but hardly any politicians or campaigners seek to involve themselves with even the fundamentals. As an example, what sort of state should be desired? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, none of the commentators supports unification or the existing arrangement. Both writes two pieces that seek objectivity in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, gathering financial and societal statistics, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Debates encompass flags and symbols, taxes, health services, elderly benefits, national debt responsibilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The objective is to enlighten and provoke discussion.

"There's huge interest in the topic but there has not yet occurred a discussion," stated the writer. "Discussion suggests an acceptance of the idea that there may exist valid points on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where voters say they support unification but oppose greater financial contributions or adopting a alternative symbol to acknowledge pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"The Irish government should work out what the plan from pro-unification movements is aside from just declaring: 'We seek a united Ireland and we love you'," remarked O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride believes a referendum in his generation is possible and that it may take place abruptly. "There might be just a reckless or a bad or a negligent government minister who states: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, valid points, he commented. "Somebody will succeed on this issue and somebody will eventually be defeated but both parties has has valuable insights to learn from the other's viewpoints."

Call for Broader Dialogue

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