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A decade following the UK embarked on a rushed referendum that polarised the country and caused disorder, a warning is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Authorities and citizens drifted into Brexit and the same might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, initiating disturbances for which nobody is prepared.

That is the message from two leading writers from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are extremely ill-prepared for a potentially tense and monumental referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gain traction very quickly," O’Toole remarked. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our region remains very unstable."

Released Volume Intends to Provoke Discussion

The duo have examined the governmental, economic and cultural arguments for any governmental shift in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the topic with a series of lectures that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns everybody, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We must avoid a national vote on a binary, unclear proposal whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily divided society where those defeated are resistant to losing and the people who have won lack clarity quite what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister must arrange a public vote on Irish unity if it seems probable that a most voters would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say this point is looming, and a non-profit named pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, leaving it unclear if and when there might be a national vote.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has masked the lack of substantive discussion, noted McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the actual thinking which could extend past that to realise it is mostly absent. A lot has gone on in academia but scarcely any government figures or campaigners seek to involve themselves even with the fundamentals. To illustrate, which kind of country might be preferred? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, neither author endorses unity or the existing arrangement. They authors two essays that strive for objectivity in presenting the case for a unified Ireland and the argument against, assembling economic and social figures, previous instances and constitutional models.

Discussions cover national emblems, duties, healthcare systems, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the risk of loyalist violence. The goal is to enlighten and encourage conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the subject but there is still lacking a discussion," said O’Toole. "Discussion indicates an recognition of the idea that there might be valid points on each side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they prefer unity but refuse increased taxation or introducing a new flag to acknowledge unionists' British culture.

"The Irish government does need to establish what the offer from pro-unification movements is beyond just saying: 'We want a unified Ireland and we value you'," stated O’Toole.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist considers a referendum in his era is probable and that it may take place unexpectedly. "There might be just a mad or a poor or a incompetent government minister who states: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have plausible, justified perspectives, he stated. "One side will prevail in this matter and somebody will in the end be defeated but all factions has possesses important lessons to learn from the alternative positions."

Request for More Extensive Debate

Westminster needed to engage with the discussion, stated the analyst. "This is about Britain. It's a UK matter just as much as it is an Irish question."