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A decade after the UK embarked on a hurried referendum that divided the nation and caused turmoil, a caution comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

The government and electorate entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, initiating disturbances for which nobody is prepared.

That conveys the caution from two prominent commentators from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a possibly fraught and monumental public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can come out of the blue and can gain traction very quickly," the commentator remarked. "In my opinion that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains very unstable."

New Title Aims to Stir Debate

The duo have studied the political, financial and societal arguments for any constitutional change in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to encourage dialogue on the matter with a series of public talks that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What concerns all parties, or ought to concern all involved, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We should prevent a national vote on a binary, vague proposition whose results have remained undefined because then you land with an highly polarised community where the losing side are resistant to losing and the people who have won don't know precisely what it is that they have won."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups claim such a time is imminent, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the possibility, making it uncertain when or if there will be a national vote.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has masked the shortage of substantive discussion, noted the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to realise it is mostly absent. Much has gone on in universities but hardly any elected officials or campaigners want to engage with the basics. For instance, what type of nation might be preferred? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, no writer advocates unification or the status quo. They authors two essays that strive for objectivity in detailing the case for a united Ireland and the argument against, gathering economic and social statistics, historical precedents and constitutional models.

Arguments range over identity markers, levies, healthcare systems, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the threat of loyalist violence. The goal is to enlighten and stimulate discussion.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," stated the writer. "Debate suggests an acceptance of the concept that there may exist good arguments on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where voters say they favour unification but reject increased taxation or introducing a different emblem to reflect unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin should work out what the plan from Irish nationalism is beyond just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," said O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist believes a national vote in his lifetime is probable and that it could happen abruptly. "You could have just a reckless or a poor or a negligent official who declares: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have credible, valid points, he said. "One side will win on this issue and somebody will eventually not succeed but all factions has has something to gain from the opposing positions."

Call for More Extensive Debate

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