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Ten years after the UK entered into a rushed referendum that divided the country and triggered disorder, a warning emerges from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and citizens drifted into Brexit and the similar may happen with a referendum on a united Ireland, triggering disturbances for which no one is ready.

That conveys the caution from two respected writers from either side of the Irish border who have joined forces to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly fraught and seismic referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can build support swiftly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the political architecture of our islands remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Aims to Stir Debate

The team have analysed the political, economic and cultural reasons for any structural alteration in a book, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to provoke discussion on the matter with a series of lectures that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What concerns all parties, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We must avoid a referendum on a binary, vague proposition whose implications have not been spelled out because then you land with an highly polarised community where the losing side are resistant to defeat and the those successful lack clarity precisely what it is that they have won."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unity if it is indicated that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say such a time is looming, and a non-profit called pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the possibility, making it uncertain when or if there could be a referendum.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language for and against unity has masked the absence of serious debate, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be for or against the concept but the actual thinking which could extend past that to realise it has largely not occurred. A lot has occurred in academia but hardly any elected officials or campaigners seek to involve themselves even with the essentials. For instance, what sort of state would you want? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, none of the commentators endorses unity or the current situation. They authors two articles that aim for neutrality in laying out the rationale for a united Ireland and the argument opposing it, assembling financial and societal data, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Discussions range over flags and symbols, levies, health services, elderly benefits, national debt responsibilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to educate and provoke discussion.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there hasn't quite been a discussion," said O’Toole. "Debate suggests an acknowledgement of the idea that there might be reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where citizens say they favour unification but oppose greater financial contributions or introducing a alternative symbol to reflect unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to establish what the plan from pro-unification movements is other than just saying: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," said the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride considers a referendum in his lifetime is probable and that it may take place abruptly. "It is possible just a mad or a ill-advised or a incompetent government minister who declares: 'Let's just do this and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have plausible, valid perspectives, he said. "Somebody will win on this issue and the other side will in the end lose but all factions has has valuable insights to acquire from the opposing viewpoints."

Request for Broader Debate

Westminster needed to join the debate, stated O’Toole. "This concerns the United Kingdom. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."