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Ten years after the UK entered into a hasty referendum that divided the nation and caused turmoil, a caution emerges from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the similar may happen with a national vote on a united Ireland, triggering convulsions for which no one is equipped.

That conveys the caution from two leading writers from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Institutions Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are extremely unprepared for a potentially fraught and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can come out of the blue and can gain traction rapidly," O’Toole said. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our region remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The team have examined the political, financial and cultural reasons for any structural alteration in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the issue with a series of speaking events that will take them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns everybody, or should haunt all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, unclear proposal whose implications have not been spelled out because then you land with an extraordinarily split population where those defeated are not reconciled to defeat and the victorious side are uncertain quite what it is that they have won."

Legal Framework

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups claim this point is approaching, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but both governments and unionists minimise the prospect, making it uncertain whether or when there will be a referendum.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Partisan language for and against unity has obscured the shortage of substantive discussion, noted the journalist.

"Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to make it possible is mostly absent. A great deal has gone on in universities but very few elected officials or campaigners seek to involve themselves with the essentials. For instance, which kind of country would you want? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, none of the commentators supports unity or the existing arrangement. They authors two articles that seek impartiality in presenting the case for a united Ireland and the rationale against, marshalling financial and social figures, past examples and constitutional models.

Arguments cover national emblems, taxes, medical care, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The objective is to educate and encourage dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there hasn't quite been a dialogue," said the writer. "Discussion indicates an acceptance of the idea that there might be reasonable perspectives on each side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate claim they support unity but oppose increased taxation or introducing a alternative symbol to recognise unionists' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to determine what the offer from nationalist groups is beyond just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist considers a national vote in his generation is likely and that it may take place unexpectedly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a bad or a feckless official who says: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid perspectives, he commented. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and the other side will ultimately lose but both parties has possesses important lessons to learn from the opposing viewpoints."

Request for Broader Debate

Westminster must participate in the debate, urged O’Toole. "This concerns Britain. It's a UK matter as much as it is an Irish question."