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Ten years after the UK entered into a hasty referendum that polarised the nation and caused chaos, a warning emerges from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

The government and voters drifted into Brexit and the identical might transpire with a national vote on a unified Ireland, triggering disturbances for which no one is ready.

That conveys the caution from two respected writers from either side of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Structures Ill-Equipped

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride, have found that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a possibly contentious and seismic public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can build support rapidly," the commentator remarked. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains very unstable."

New Title Intends to Encourage Dialogue

The pair have examined the governmental, economic and societal reasons for any governmental shift in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the matter with a roadshow of lectures that will bring them to Westminster soon.

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

"We must avoid a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose consequences have not been clarified because then you land with an extremely divided society where people who have lost are unable to accept losing and the those successful lack clarity quite what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister must arrange a public vote on Irish unification if it appears likely that a most voters would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists argue that moment is looming, and a group named Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the prospect, leaving it unclear if and when there will be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unification has obscured the absence of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to realise it is mostly absent. A lot has taken place in scholarly circles but hardly any government figures or activists seek to involve themselves with even the basics. For instance, what type of nation would you want? Centralised? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, neither author endorses unification or the current situation. Both authors two articles that seek objectivity in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, marshalling economic and societal data, previous instances and structural examples.

Arguments cover flags and symbols, duties, healthcare systems, elderly benefits, sovereign debt obligations and the risk of unionist unrest. The aim is to enlighten and encourage conversation.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there is still lacking a discussion," said O’Toole. "Debate implies an recognition of the concept that there could be valid points on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where citizens claim they favour unity but refuse increased taxation or introducing a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"Policymakers in Ireland should work out what the plan from pro-unification movements is aside from just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we value you'," said the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride considers a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it could happen abruptly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless official who says: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, legitimate perspectives, he said. "Somebody will win in this matter and the other side will eventually be defeated but each side has got valuable insights to learn from the other's positions."

Appeal for More Extensive Debate

Westminster needed to engage with the debate, urged O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It's a British question just as much as it is an Irish question."