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Ten years after the UK entered into a rushed referendum that divided the nation and caused chaos, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical could occur with a referendum on a unified Ireland, initiating disturbances for which nobody is equipped.

That represents the warning from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Institutions Unprepared

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have concluded that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely unprepared for a potentially tense and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator said. "It is my view that the political architecture of our islands remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The pair have studied the governmental, economic and cultural reasons for any constitutional change in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the matter with a roadshow of public talks that will bring them to Westminster soon.

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

"We should prevent a national vote on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose implications have remained undefined because then you land with an extraordinarily split population where people who have lost are unable to accept defeat and the people who have won don't know quite what it is that they have won."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister must arrange a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups argue such a time is approaching, and a group called Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions play down the prospect, making it uncertain whether or when there might be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

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

"Many are for or against the concept but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has taken place in universities but hardly any politicians or advocates seek to involve themselves with the fundamentals. As an example, what sort of state would you want? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, neither author advocates unification or the current situation. They authors two articles that aim for neutrality in detailing the argument for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, assembling financial and societal figures, past examples and constitutional models.

Discussions range over flags and symbols, duties, medical care, retirement funds, public liabilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The objective is to inform and provoke conversation.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there is still lacking a dialogue," commented the writer. "Dialogue implies an acknowledgement of the notion that there may exist good arguments on each side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate say they prefer unification but reject greater financial contributions or adopting a new flag to reflect unionists' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to establish what the offer from pro-unification movements is aside from just declaring: 'We want a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked O’Toole.

Probability of Public Vote

McBride thinks a referendum in his generation is possible and that it may take place unexpectedly. "You could have just a reckless or a poor or a negligent secretary of state who says: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid perspectives, he commented. "Somebody will prevail here and the other side will in the end lose but each side has got important lessons to gain from the other's positions."

Call for Wider Discussion

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