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A decade following the UK entered into a hurried referendum that divided the country and caused chaos, a advisory comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and voters drifted into Brexit and the same could occur with a national vote on a united Ireland, initiating upheavals for which no one is equipped.

That conveys the caution from two prominent commentators from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Not Ready

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a possibly fraught and transformative public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can arise suddenly and can build support very quickly," O’Toole said. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our islands remains very unstable."

New Title Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The pair have analysed the governmental, financial and cultural rationales for any governmental shift in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to encourage dialogue on the matter with a series of lectures that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles all parties, or ought to concern everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose implications have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily split population where people who have lost are not reconciled to defeat and the those successful don't know quite what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unification if it seems probable that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups claim this point is approaching, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but both governments and unionists minimise the possibility, leaving it unclear whether or when there will be a national vote.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Partisan language for and against unification has masked the lack of serious debate, stated McBride.

"People tend to be for or against the concept but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to make it possible is mostly absent. Much has occurred in scholarly circles but hardly any government figures or advocates seek to involve themselves with even the essentials. For instance, what sort of state would you want? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, none of the commentators supports unity or the current situation. Both authors two pieces that strive for objectivity in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the argument opposing it, marshalling economic and social data, historical precedents and structural examples.

Discussions range over identity markers, duties, medical care, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The objective is to enlighten and stimulate dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there is still lacking a discussion," said the writer. "Discussion indicates an acceptance of the idea that there may exist good arguments on either side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where voters claim they support unification but oppose paying higher taxes or introducing a new flag to recognise unionists' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin should work out what the proposal from nationalist groups is beyond just stating: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," stated O’Toole.

Likelihood of Public Vote

McBride believes a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it could happen suddenly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless secretary of state who declares: 'We should proceed and resolve it.'"

Both nationalists and unionists have plausible, legitimate points, he said. "One side will win in this matter and somebody will eventually not succeed but all factions has got important lessons to acquire from the opposing viewpoints."

Call for Wider Discussion

Westminster must engage with the discussion, urged O’Toole. "This is about your state. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."