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A decade after the UK embarked on a rushed referendum that divided the nation and unleashed turmoil, a advisory is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the similar might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, triggering upheavals for which no one is ready.

That represents the warning from two respected journalists from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly fraught and seismic public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can gather momentum very quickly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains extremely volatile."

Book Publication Aims to Stir Debate

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

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

"What haunts all parties, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We do not want a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, unclear proposal whose results have remained undefined because then you end up with an highly split population where those defeated are resistant to defeat and the victorious side don't know precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister must arrange a public vote on Irish unification if it appears likely that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say such a time is looming, and a non-profit called Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions downplay the likelihood, leaving it unclear when or if there could be a national vote.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has masked the shortage of substantive discussion, said the journalist.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the concept but the concrete planning which may surpass that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but very few government figures or campaigners seek to involve themselves with even the basics. As an example, what sort of state would you want? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, none of the commentators supports unification or the current situation. They composes two essays that strive for neutrality in laying out the argument for a unified Ireland and the case against, gathering economic and societal figures, past examples and constitutional models.

Arguments range over flags and symbols, taxes, health services, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the threat of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to enlighten and stimulate dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there is still lacking a discussion," stated O’Toole. "Discussion implies an recognition of the idea that there might be good arguments on either side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they support unification but oppose greater financial contributions or adopting a new flag to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British culture.

"The Irish government should work out what the offer from nationalist groups is aside from just declaring: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

McBride considers a national vote in his generation is likely and that it might occur suddenly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a poor or a negligent official who says: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Both nationalists and pro-UK supporters have credible, justified arguments, he commented. "One side will succeed in this matter and the other side will ultimately not succeed but all factions has got valuable insights to learn from the alternative positions."

Call for Wider Dialogue

Westminster must join the discussion, urged the analyst. "This concerns the United Kingdom. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."