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A decade after the UK entered into a hasty public vote that divided the country and triggered disorder, a warning comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Policymakers and electorate drifted into Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a unified Ireland, initiating disturbances for which no one is equipped.

That represents the warning from two respected journalists from either side of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a potentially contentious and seismic public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can build support rapidly," the commentator said. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our islands remains very unstable."

Released Volume Aims to Encourage Dialogue

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

They hope to provoke discussion on the topic with a roadshow of public talks that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What concerns everyone, or must worry all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We should prevent a referendum on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose consequences have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an highly split population where the losing side are resistant to losing and the people who have won don't know exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unification if it seems probable that a most voters would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say that moment is imminent, and a group called pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, making it uncertain if and when there could be a referendum.

Insufficient Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements for and against unity has hidden the lack of substantive discussion, said McBride.

"Individuals are often for or against the idea but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to make it possible has largely not occurred. A great deal has occurred in universities but very few government figures or campaigners are willing to participate with the fundamentals. As an example, what type of nation would you want? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, none of the commentators supports unity or the existing arrangement. Both composes two pieces that seek neutrality in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, assembling financial and societal statistics, previous instances and governmental frameworks.

Discussions range over flags and symbols, duties, health services, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the threat of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to enlighten and stimulate conversation.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there has not yet occurred a debate," said O’Toole. "Dialogue suggests an recognition of the concept that there may exist valid points on either side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens claim they support unity but oppose greater financial contributions or adopting a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' British identity.

"Policymakers in Ireland does need to determine what the offer from pro-unification movements is beyond just stating: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," stated the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist believes a referendum in his era is possible and that it could happen abruptly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a bad or a incompetent official who says: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have plausible, valid perspectives, he commented. "Somebody will succeed in this matter and somebody will eventually be defeated but both parties has possesses important lessons to learn from the opposing arguments."

Call for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster must participate in the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This concerns Britain. It's a British issue just as much as it is an Irish question."