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Ten years after the UK embarked on a rushed public vote that divided the nation and triggered turmoil, a caution emerges from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Policymakers and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, sparking upheavals for which no one is ready.

That is the message from two respected journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Structures Unprepared

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a potentially fraught and monumental referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction swiftly," O’Toole said. "I would suggest that the political architecture of our islands remains extremely volatile."

New Title Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The duo have examined the governmental, financial and societal rationales for any governmental shift in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the issue with a roadshow of public talks that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What concerns everybody, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We do not want a national vote on a binary, ambiguous question whose implications have not been spelled out because then you land with an extremely divided society where those defeated are not reconciled to defeat and the people who have won are uncertain precisely what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists claim this point is approaching, and a group called Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but both governments and unionists play down the possibility, making it uncertain whether or when there could be a referendum.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unification has hidden the shortage of substantive discussion, noted McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the concept but the actual thinking which may surpass that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but hardly any elected officials or campaigners are willing to participate with the basics. As an example, what type of nation should be desired? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the volume, none of the commentators advocates unification or the existing arrangement. Each composes two articles that seek impartiality in detailing the rationale for a united Ireland and the rationale opposing it, gathering financial and societal figures, previous instances and constitutional models.

Debates range over national emblems, duties, medical care, pensions, public liabilities and the risk of unionist unrest. The aim is to educate and stimulate discussion.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there is still lacking a debate," said the writer. "Dialogue implies an recognition of the concept that there may exist reasonable perspectives on either side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where the electorate say they prefer unity but refuse increased taxation or adopting a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"Policymakers in Ireland does need to establish what the offer from Irish nationalism is aside from just saying: 'We want a unified Ireland and we love you'," stated O’Toole.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist believes a referendum in his era is possible and that it could happen suddenly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a bad or a feckless secretary of state who states: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have credible, legitimate arguments, he said. "One side will win on this issue and the other side will ultimately lose but each side has got valuable insights to learn from the other's viewpoints."

Call for Broader Discussion

Westminster should participate in the dialogue, stated O’Toole. "This concerns Britain. It is a British issue as much as it is an Irish question."