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A decade following the UK entered into a hurried referendum that divided the nation and caused chaos, a advisory is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

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

That conveys the caution from two prominent journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Unprepared

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

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can gain traction swiftly," the commentator remarked. "It is my view that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Aims to Encourage Dialogue

The pair have studied the governmental, economic and societal reasons for any constitutional change in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to provoke discussion on the issue with a tour of lectures that will take them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What troubles everyone, or should haunt everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a binary, vague proposition whose results have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily polarised community where those defeated are unable to accept defeat and the victorious side don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unity if it appears likely that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say such a time is approaching, and a non-profit named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the possibility, making it uncertain if and when there will be a national vote.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Partisan language for and against unification has hidden the absence of informed dialogue, said McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to realise it hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has occurred in universities but very few elected officials or advocates want to engage with the essentials. For instance, what type of nation should be desired? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the volume, none of the commentators advocates unification or the current situation. Both authors two pieces that seek neutrality in laying out the case for a united Ireland and the rationale against, gathering financial and societal data, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Debates cover identity markers, levies, medical care, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the risk of unionist unrest. The goal is to educate and provoke conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there is still lacking a discussion," said the writer. "Dialogue implies an acceptance of the idea that there may exist reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where the electorate say they prefer unity but oppose increased taxation or introducing a new flag to reflect unionists' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland should work out what the proposal from Irish nationalism is aside from just saying: 'We want a united Ireland and we welcome you'," stated the commentator.

Probability of Public Vote

The journalist believes a referendum in his generation is likely and that it could happen suddenly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless secretary of state who says: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have plausible, legitimate points, he said. "One side will prevail in this matter and somebody will eventually lose but all factions has has important lessons to learn from the alternative positions."

Call for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster must participate in the debate, said O’Toole. "This involves Britain. It is a UK matter equally as it is an Irish issue."