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A decade following the UK entered into a hurried public vote that divided the country and triggered turmoil, a warning is issued from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Policymakers and citizens sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical could occur with a national vote on a united Ireland, initiating convulsions for which nobody is equipped.

That is the message from two prominent writers from either side of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the pros and cons of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Structures Ill-Equipped

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a possibly tense and seismic referendum.

"The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can arise suddenly and can build support very quickly," O’Toole stated. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our islands remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Seeks to Stir Debate

The team have analysed the political, financial and societal arguments for any structural alteration in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the issue with a tour of public talks that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What concerns everyone, or must worry every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, ambiguous question whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you land with an extraordinarily polarised community where people who have lost are resistant to defeat and the people who have won don't know quite what it is that they have won."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unification if it seems probable that a most voters would support.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups claim such a time is approaching, and a organisation named Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but both governments and unionists minimise the possibility, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there could be a national vote.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements for and against unity has hidden the shortage of informed dialogue, stated the journalist.

"Many are for or against the concept but the actual thinking which could extend past that to make it possible is mostly absent. A lot has occurred in universities but hardly any elected officials or advocates seek to involve themselves even with the essentials. To illustrate, what sort of state might be preferred? Unitary? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, neither author supports unity or the current situation. They composes two pieces that aim for impartiality in laying out the rationale for a unified Ireland and the case against, marshalling economic and societal figures, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Debates encompass national emblems, levies, health services, retirement funds, national debt responsibilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The goal is to enlighten and stimulate conversation.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there hasn't quite been a dialogue," commented O’Toole. "Debate suggests an recognition of the notion that there might be reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where voters report they support unification but refuse greater financial contributions or adopting a new flag to recognise pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"The Irish government should establish what the offer from pro-unification movements is other than just saying: 'We desire a unified Ireland and we love you'," said the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

McBride thinks a national vote in his era is likely and that it could happen abruptly. "It is possible just a mad or a bad or a negligent official who declares: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have credible, valid points, he commented. "Somebody will win on this issue and the other side will in the end not succeed but all factions has possesses important lessons to gain from the other's viewpoints."

Request for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster should participate in the debate, urged O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It's a British issue just as much as it is an Irish matter."