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Ten years following the UK entered into a rushed public vote that divided the country and triggered turmoil, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and electorate drifted into Brexit and the same could occur with a national vote on a unified Ireland, triggering convulsions for which no one is prepared.

That conveys the caution from two respected writers from either side of the Irish border who have collaborated to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to establish a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a possibly 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 gain traction rapidly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the political architecture of our archipelago remains very unstable."

New Title Aims to Stir Debate

The duo have examined the political, financial and societal rationales for any structural alteration in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the topic with a tour of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles everyone, or ought to concern everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We should prevent a referendum on a binary, ambiguous question whose results have not been clarified because then you find yourself with an extremely split population where the losing side are unable to accept defeat and the victorious side are uncertain exactly what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a referendum on Irish unification if it seems probable that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups claim that moment is approaching, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions minimise the likelihood, making it uncertain when or if there will be a referendum.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements for and against unification has hidden the lack of substantive discussion, said the journalist.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has gone on in universities but scarcely any government figures or campaigners are willing to participate even with the basics. As an example, what type of nation should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the volume, no writer advocates unity or the status quo. They authors two pieces that aim for neutrality in presenting the argument for a united Ireland and the rationale against, assembling economic and societal data, past examples and constitutional models.

Debates range over national emblems, duties, medical care, retirement funds, public liabilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to educate and encourage dialogue.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there has not yet occurred a discussion," said the writer. "Discussion suggests an recognition of the concept that there may exist good arguments on each side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they prefer unity but reject increased taxation or adopting a alternative symbol to recognise pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland should establish what the offer from pro-unification movements is aside from just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist believes a national vote in his generation is likely and that it might occur unexpectedly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a poor or a incompetent official who states: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid points, he commented. "Somebody will prevail on this issue and somebody will ultimately be defeated but each side has got something to gain from the other's viewpoints."

Appeal for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster should participate in the debate, stated the analyst. "This concerns your state. It is a UK matter as much as it is an Irish matter."