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Ten years following the UK stumbled into a hasty referendum that polarised the country and caused turmoil, a warning is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Policymakers and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the same may happen with a national vote on a unified Ireland, sparking convulsions for which no one is prepared.

That is the message from two leading writers from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to establish a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a possibly fraught and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can come out of the blue and can build support very quickly," O’Toole remarked. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our islands remains very unstable."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The team have examined the governmental, financial and cultural reasons for any structural alteration in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the issue with a series of public talks that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts everybody, or ought to concern everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We should prevent a referendum on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose results have not been clarified because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily polarised community where those defeated are unable to accept defeat and the victorious side are uncertain quite what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland secretary of state should call a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would support.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists say such a time is approaching, and a non-profit called Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists play down the likelihood, making it uncertain when or if there could be a referendum.

Lack of Serious Debate

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

"Individuals are often for or against the idea but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has taken place in universities but scarcely any politicians or campaigners are willing to participate even with the essentials. For instance, what sort of state should be desired? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, none of the commentators supports unity or the status quo. They authors two essays that strive for impartiality in detailing the argument for a united Ireland and the case against, marshalling economic and societal figures, past examples and structural examples.

Discussions cover flags and symbols, duties, healthcare systems, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the danger of loyalist violence. The aim is to enlighten and encourage dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there has not yet occurred a discussion," said the writer. "Debate implies an recognition of the idea that there may exist reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where voters report they prefer unification but refuse greater financial contributions or implementing a different emblem to acknowledge unionists' British culture.

"The Irish government does need to establish what the plan from nationalist groups is aside from just saying: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," stated the commentator.

Probability of Referendum

The journalist believes a referendum in his lifetime is possible and that it may take place unexpectedly. "There might be just a mad or a poor or a incompetent government minister who states: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have plausible, valid perspectives, he said. "Somebody will win in this matter and somebody will ultimately lose but both parties has possesses important lessons to acquire from the other's arguments."

Request for More Extensive Debate

Westminster needed to join the debate, said O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It's a UK matter as much as it is an Irish question."