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Ten years following the UK embarked on a hasty referendum that split the nation and unleashed chaos, a caution emerges from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and electorate drifted into Brexit and the similar might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, initiating disturbances for which no one is ready.

That represents the warning from two prominent writers from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Unprepared

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly fraught and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator remarked. "It is my view that the political architecture of our region remains very unstable."

Released Volume Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The team have studied the governmental, economic and societal reasons for any structural alteration in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the matter with a series of lectures that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles all parties, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, vague proposition whose results have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily split population where people who have lost are not reconciled to losing and the those successful are uncertain quite what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists argue this point is approaching, and a group named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions minimise the prospect, making it uncertain whether or when there could be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric for and against unification has masked the lack of substantive discussion, noted McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A great deal has occurred in universities but hardly any government figures or activists seek to involve themselves with the basics. To illustrate, what type of nation should be desired? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, no writer advocates unity or the existing arrangement. They authors two pieces that aim for neutrality in detailing the case for a unified Ireland and the rationale opposing it, marshalling economic and social figures, historical precedents and constitutional models.

Discussions encompass identity markers, levies, healthcare systems, retirement funds, public liabilities and the risk of unionist unrest. The aim is to enlighten and stimulate dialogue.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there has not yet occurred a debate," said the writer. "Discussion suggests an acknowledgement of the idea that there may exist valid points on either side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens say they favour unity but refuse increased taxation or implementing a alternative symbol to reflect unionists' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to work out what the plan from nationalist groups is aside from just declaring: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we love you'," said O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist considers a referendum in his generation is probable and that it might occur suddenly. "You could have just a mad or a bad or a incompetent secretary of state who declares: 'Let's just do this and settle the matter.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, justified arguments, he said. "Somebody will win in this matter and the other side will in the end lose but each side has possesses important lessons to learn from the other's viewpoints."

Appeal for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster needed to join the dialogue, said O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It's a British issue as much as it is an Irish matter."