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Ten years after the UK entered into a hurried referendum that polarised the country and caused disorder, a advisory comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

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

That is the message from two respected journalists from either side of the Irish border who have collaborated to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Ill-Equipped

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

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can come out of the blue and can build support swiftly," O’Toole said. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our islands remains very unstable."

Released Volume Intends to Encourage Dialogue

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

They seek to encourage dialogue on the issue with a tour of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

"What concerns everybody, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We do not want a referendum on a binary, ambiguous question whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an extremely polarised community where the losing side are resistant to losing and the victorious side are uncertain quite what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups say that moment is approaching, and a group called Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but both governments and unionists minimise the prospect, leaving it unclear when or if there could be a national vote.

Lack of Serious Debate

Political rhetoric for and against unification has obscured the shortage of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the concept but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to realise it has largely not occurred. A great deal has taken place in universities but scarcely any politicians or advocates seek to involve themselves with even the fundamentals. As an example, what sort of state might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, none of the commentators endorses unity or the status quo. They composes two articles that seek objectivity in laying out the case for a united Ireland and the case opposing it, assembling economic and social data, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Discussions cover national emblems, duties, healthcare systems, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the threat of loyalist violence. The aim is to enlighten and provoke conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the subject but there is still lacking a discussion," said the writer. "Debate indicates an recognition of the idea that there might be valid points on either side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they prefer unity but refuse paying higher taxes or introducing a new flag to reflect unionists' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin should determine what the plan from Irish nationalism is beyond just saying: 'We desire a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist considers a national vote in his era is likely and that it could happen unexpectedly. "It is possible just a mad or a ill-advised or a negligent government minister who declares: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have credible, legitimate arguments, he stated. "One side will prevail on this issue and the other side will ultimately be defeated but each side has got important lessons to acquire from the alternative arguments."

Call for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster must engage with the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It is a British question just as much as it is an Irish issue."