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Ten years following the UK entered into a hurried public vote that polarised the country and unleashed chaos, a caution comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

The government and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the same might transpire with a national vote on a unified Ireland, initiating disturbances for which no one is equipped.

That is the message from two prominent journalists from either side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a potentially fraught and transformative public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can come out of the blue and can gather momentum very quickly," the commentator said. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our islands remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The team have analysed the political, economic and societal arguments for any structural alteration in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the topic with a roadshow of lectures that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

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

"We must avoid a referendum on a binary, unclear proposal whose consequences have not been clarified because then you land with an extraordinarily polarised community where those defeated are resistant to defeat and the those successful lack clarity precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

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

Sinn Féin and other nationalists claim that moment is approaching, and a organisation named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the possibility, leaving it unclear if and when there will be a national vote.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has hidden the lack of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the notion but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has occurred in scholarly circles but hardly any elected officials or advocates want to engage with even the basics. As an example, which kind of country might be preferred? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the book, no writer supports unification or the current situation. They composes two essays that aim for impartiality in laying out the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, assembling financial and societal figures, previous instances and governmental frameworks.

Debates encompass flags and symbols, levies, health services, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the risk of loyalist violence. The objective is to educate and provoke dialogue.

"There's huge interest in the topic but there is still lacking a dialogue," commented O’Toole. "Discussion indicates an acceptance of the notion that there could be valid points on each side."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate say they prefer unity but oppose increased taxation or introducing a new flag to acknowledge unionists' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland does need to establish what the plan from Irish nationalism is other than just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we value you'," said the commentator.

Probability of Referendum

McBride considers a national vote in his lifetime is probable and that it may take place abruptly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a incompetent government minister who says: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, legitimate perspectives, he stated. "Somebody will win in this matter and somebody will in the end not succeed but each side has possesses important lessons to acquire from the other's viewpoints."

Request for Wider Debate

Westminster needed to participate in the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This involves Britain. It's a British issue just as much as it is an Irish matter."