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Ten years after the UK entered into a hurried public vote that divided the nation and unleashed chaos, a caution is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and electorate entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical may happen with a referendum on a unified Ireland, initiating upheavals for which no one is ready.

That conveys the caution from two leading commentators from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Structures Ill-Equipped

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a possibly fraught and seismic referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can emerge unexpectedly and can build support rapidly," O’Toole stated. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our islands remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Encourage Dialogue

The pair have analysed the political, economic and cultural arguments for any structural alteration in a book, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the matter with a tour of speaking events that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts everyone, or ought to concern everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We should prevent a referendum on a binary, vague proposition whose results have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily polarised community where the losing side are resistant to defeat and the those successful lack clarity precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unity if it appears likely that a most voters would approve.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists argue that moment is imminent, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and unionists minimise the likelihood, leaving it unclear if and when there could be a national vote.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements for and against unity has masked the lack of informed dialogue, said the journalist.

"Many are for or against the concept but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has taken place in academia but hardly any elected officials or activists are willing to participate with the essentials. As an example, what sort of state should be desired? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, no writer advocates unification or the status quo. They authors two essays that seek impartiality in laying out the rationale for a unified Ireland and the rationale against, gathering economic and social data, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Discussions encompass flags and symbols, taxes, medical care, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to inform and encourage dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the subject but there hasn't quite been a discussion," said the writer. "Dialogue implies an recognition of the idea that there could be valid points on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate report they favour unity but reject increased taxation or implementing a different emblem to recognise pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"Policymakers in Ireland should work out what the offer from nationalist groups is aside from just saying: 'We desire a united Ireland and we value you'," stated the commentator.

Likelihood of Referendum

McBride thinks a referendum in his generation is possible and that it may take place abruptly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a bad or a incompetent secretary of state who says: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Both nationalists and pro-UK supporters have plausible, legitimate points, he stated. "One side will prevail here and somebody will eventually lose but each side has has something to gain from the alternative arguments."

Request for More Extensive Debate

Westminster needed to join the discussion, urged O’Toole. "This involves Britain. It is a UK matter as much as it is an Irish matter."