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Ten years following the UK entered into a hurried referendum that divided the nation and unleashed chaos, a advisory is issued from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Authorities and voters drifted into Brexit and the similar may happen with a national vote on a united Ireland, triggering disturbances for which nobody is ready.

That represents the warning from two leading journalists from either side of the Irish border who have collaborated to analyse the pros and cons of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially contentious and seismic public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can gather momentum rapidly," O’Toole remarked. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our islands remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The pair have examined the political, financial and societal arguments for any governmental shift in a volume, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to encourage dialogue on the topic with a series of public talks that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What troubles everyone, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We must avoid a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, unclear proposal whose results have not been clarified because then you land with an extraordinarily divided society where those defeated are unable to accept defeat and the those successful don't know precisely what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland secretary of state should call a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a majority would approve.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups say that moment is imminent, and a group called pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions downplay the prospect, making it uncertain whether or when there might be a referendum.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unification has hidden the shortage of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the idea but the concrete planning which may surpass that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has gone on in academia but scarcely any politicians or campaigners are willing to participate even with the basics. To illustrate, which kind of country should be desired? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, no writer advocates unification or the current situation. Each authors two articles that strive for neutrality in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the case against, assembling financial and societal figures, past examples and structural examples.

Debates range over flags and symbols, duties, health services, retirement funds, public liabilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The objective is to inform and provoke dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the subject but there hasn't quite been a dialogue," commented the writer. "Discussion indicates an acknowledgement of the idea that there could be valid points on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate claim they prefer unification but reject greater financial contributions or implementing a new flag to recognise unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin must establish what the offer from pro-unification movements is other than just saying: 'We want a united Ireland and we value you'," stated O’Toole.

Likelihood of Referendum

The journalist thinks a referendum in his lifetime is possible and that it may take place unexpectedly. "There might be just a reckless or a ill-advised or a negligent official who declares: 'We should proceed and settle the matter.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have credible, justified points, he stated. "Somebody will prevail on this issue and somebody will ultimately be defeated but both parties has possesses something to learn from the alternative positions."

Request for Broader Debate

Westminster needed to engage with the debate, stated the analyst. "This involves your state. It's a British question equally as it is an Irish matter."