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Ten years following the UK embarked on a rushed referendum that divided the country and triggered turmoil, a caution comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and voters drifted into Brexit and the similar may happen with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking upheavals for which nobody is equipped.

That represents the warning from two respected journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Unprepared

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

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that developments can emerge unexpectedly and can gather momentum swiftly," the commentator remarked. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The pair have studied the governmental, financial and cultural rationales for any constitutional change in a volume, For and Against a United Ireland, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the issue with a tour of speaking events that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles everybody, or must worry every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We must avoid a referendum on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an highly divided society where those defeated are resistant to losing and the those successful lack clarity exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a referendum on Irish unity if it seems probable that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue this point is approaching, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions downplay the likelihood, making it uncertain whether or when there will be a national vote.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unification has obscured the shortage of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the concept but the concrete planning which might go beyond that to realise it has largely not occurred. Much has occurred in academia but scarcely any government figures or advocates seek to involve themselves with even the essentials. As an example, which kind of country should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, neither author supports unity or the current situation. Each authors two essays that aim for objectivity in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the rationale opposing it, assembling economic and societal figures, historical precedents and structural examples.

Arguments cover flags and symbols, duties, health services, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of loyalist violence. The aim is to enlighten and stimulate discussion.

"Considerable attention exists in the subject but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," commented the writer. "Dialogue indicates an recognition of the notion that there could be good arguments on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where citizens report they favour unification but reject paying higher taxes or implementing a alternative symbol to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin should determine what the plan from nationalist groups is other than just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we value you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride believes a national vote in his era is probable and that it could happen unexpectedly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a bad or a negligent secretary of state who declares: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have reasonable, legitimate perspectives, he said. "Somebody will succeed here and somebody will eventually lose but each side has has important lessons to gain from the opposing arguments."

Call for Broader Dialogue

Westminster must join the discussion, stated the analyst. "This is about Britain. It's a UK matter as much as it is an Irish issue."