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A decade after the UK entered into a rushed referendum that polarised the country and triggered turmoil, a warning is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and electorate drifted into Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, initiating upheavals for which no one is equipped.

That is the message from two leading journalists from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to scrutinise the pros and cons of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Institutions Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a potentially tense and seismic referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gather momentum swiftly," the commentator stated. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our region remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Encourage Dialogue

The duo have analysed the political, economic and societal arguments for any structural alteration in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to provoke discussion on the matter with a tour of speaking events that will take them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns everybody, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We must avoid a national vote on a binary, ambiguous question whose results have not been clarified because then you land with an extremely divided society where those defeated are resistant to defeat and the people who have won don't know precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists argue that moment is approaching, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, resulting in ambiguity when or if there will be a national vote.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements for and against unification has hidden the shortage of serious debate, noted the journalist.

"Individuals are often for or against the concept but the actual thinking which may surpass that to make it possible is mostly absent. Much has taken place in scholarly circles but hardly any elected officials or activists are willing to participate even with the basics. For instance, what type of nation might be preferred? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, neither author advocates unity or the current situation. Both composes two essays that seek impartiality in presenting the case for a united Ireland and the argument against, gathering economic and social statistics, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Arguments range over identity markers, levies, healthcare systems, retirement funds, public liabilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to inform and provoke discussion.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there has not yet occurred a debate," said the writer. "Discussion implies an recognition of the idea that there might be good arguments on either side."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters report they support unification but oppose greater financial contributions or introducing a new flag to recognise pro-UK communities' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to work out what the offer from nationalist groups is aside from just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we love you'," stated the commentator.

Probability of Public Vote

McBride believes a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it might occur suddenly. "There might be just a mad or a bad or a negligent government minister who says: 'We should proceed and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have reasonable, valid points, he said. "One side will win on this issue and somebody will ultimately not succeed but all factions has has something to learn from the opposing positions."

Call for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster should engage with the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This is about your state. It's a British question just as much as it is an Irish issue."