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Ten years after the UK stumbled into a rushed referendum that split the nation and caused disorder, a advisory is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

The government and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking upheavals for which no one is equipped.

That is the message from two respected journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Unprepared

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a possibly contentious and monumental public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can build support rapidly," O’Toole stated. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our islands remains very unstable."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The pair have analysed the political, financial and societal reasons for any constitutional change in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the topic with a series of lectures that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts everyone, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We should prevent a referendum on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an highly polarised community where people who have lost are not reconciled to losing and the people who have won lack clarity precisely what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unity if it seems probable that a most voters would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue that moment is imminent, and a non-profit called Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions play down the prospect, making it uncertain if and when there could be a referendum.

Insufficient Substantive Discussion

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has masked the shortage of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"People tend to be for or against the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. Much has occurred in universities but very few politicians or activists want to engage with even the basics. To illustrate, which kind of country might be preferred? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, no writer advocates unity or the current situation. Each authors two articles that seek impartiality in laying out the argument for a unified Ireland and the argument opposing it, marshalling economic and social statistics, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Debates cover flags and symbols, levies, health services, retirement funds, national debt responsibilities and the risk of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to inform and encourage discussion.

"Considerable attention exists in the subject but there has not yet occurred a discussion," commented the writer. "Debate implies an recognition of the notion that there may exist reasonable perspectives on either side."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where the electorate claim they favour unity but refuse increased taxation or implementing a alternative symbol to reflect unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin must establish what the offer from Irish nationalism is aside from just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we welcome you'," stated the commentator.

Likelihood of Referendum

The journalist thinks a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it might occur unexpectedly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a bad or a negligent secretary of state who says: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate arguments, he said. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and somebody will eventually lose but all factions has has important lessons to gain from the opposing arguments."

Appeal for Wider Debate

Westminster must engage with the dialogue, said the analyst. "This concerns your state. It is a British issue as much as it is an Irish question."