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Ten years following the UK entered into a hurried referendum that split the nation and caused disorder, a caution comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and citizens drifted into Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, initiating upheavals for which no one is ready.

That represents the warning from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to form a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Unprepared

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a possibly contentious and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can build support rapidly," O’Toole stated. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The team have studied the governmental, economic and cultural arguments for any constitutional change in a volume, Examining Irish Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the matter with a series of lectures that will bring them to Westminster early next month.

"What troubles everyone, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose results have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily polarised community where those defeated are not reconciled to defeat and the those successful don't know exactly what it is that they have won."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unification if it seems probable that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists argue that moment is looming, and a non-profit called Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the possibility, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there will be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unity has masked the lack of informed dialogue, noted McBride.

"Individuals are often for or against the notion but the concrete planning which could extend past that to realise it is mostly absent. A great deal has gone on in universities but very few government figures or campaigners are willing to participate with the basics. For instance, what type of nation would you want? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the book, neither author endorses unification or the current situation. Both authors two essays that strive for impartiality in laying out the rationale for a unified Ireland and the rationale against, marshalling economic and social data, previous instances and constitutional models.

Arguments encompass flags and symbols, levies, healthcare systems, retirement funds, national debt responsibilities and the threat of loyalist violence. The aim is to inform and encourage discussion.

"There is significant curiosity in the subject but there hasn't quite been a debate," said the writer. "Dialogue indicates an acceptance of the notion that there may exist valid points on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters report they prefer unification but refuse greater financial contributions or adopting a new flag to recognise pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"Policymakers in Ireland should determine what the offer from Irish nationalism is aside from just saying: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride believes a national vote in his generation is probable and that it could happen unexpectedly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a negligent government minister who says: 'We should proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, valid arguments, he said. "Somebody will win on this issue and the other side will ultimately not succeed but both parties has possesses valuable insights to acquire from the other's positions."

Appeal for More Extensive Discussion

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