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A decade following the UK entered into a hurried referendum that polarised the country and caused disorder, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

The government and citizens drifted into Brexit and the similar may happen with a national vote on a unified Ireland, triggering upheavals for which nobody is equipped.

That conveys the caution from two respected journalists from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a potentially contentious and monumental referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator stated. "In my opinion that the institutional structure of our islands remains very unstable."

Book Publication Intends to Provoke Discussion

The team have examined the political, financial and cultural rationales for any constitutional change in a volume, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to encourage dialogue on the matter with a tour of lectures that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts everyone, or ought to concern all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We do not want a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, unclear proposal whose results have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily split population where the losing side are not reconciled to defeat and the victorious side lack clarity quite what it is that they have gained."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say that moment is looming, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the likelihood, making it uncertain if and when there will be a national vote.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has obscured the shortage of informed dialogue, stated McBride.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the concept but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to realise it has largely not occurred. A great deal has occurred in academia but very few government figures or campaigners want to engage with even the basics. To illustrate, what type of nation would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, no writer supports unity or the current situation. Both authors two articles that strive for impartiality in laying out the case for a united Ireland and the argument against, assembling economic and societal figures, past examples and structural examples.

Discussions cover flags and symbols, taxes, medical care, retirement funds, national debt responsibilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The goal is to educate and stimulate conversation.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there is still lacking a debate," stated the writer. "Dialogue implies an recognition of the idea that there could be valid points on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where voters say they prefer unity but reject increased taxation or introducing a new flag to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland should determine what the plan from nationalist groups is other than just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we value you'," said O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride thinks a referendum in his lifetime is possible and that it might occur abruptly. "It is possible just a mad or a ill-advised or a feckless official who says: 'We should proceed and settle the matter.'"

Both nationalists and unionists have credible, justified perspectives, he commented. "One side will prevail on this issue and the other side will eventually be defeated but both parties has got something to acquire from the opposing arguments."

Appeal for More Extensive Debate

Westminster needed to engage with the debate, urged O’Toole. "This concerns the United Kingdom. It's a British question as much as it is an Irish issue."