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A decade after the UK entered into a hurried public vote that polarised the country and unleashed disorder, a advisory emerges from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

The government and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the same might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, initiating disturbances for which nobody is equipped.

That represents the warning from two prominent writers from either side of the Irish border who have collaborated to analyse the pros and cons of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Not Ready

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly contentious and monumental public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can gather momentum rapidly," the commentator stated. "I would suggest that the political architecture of our islands remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The team have studied the governmental, economic and societal reasons for any structural alteration in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to encourage dialogue on the issue with a roadshow of public talks that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What troubles all parties, or must worry every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a binary, unclear proposal whose consequences have not been clarified because then you land with an extremely divided society where the losing side are not reconciled to losing and the people who have won don't know precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state should call a referendum on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists argue this point is looming, and a non-profit called Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but both governments and unionists downplay the prospect, leaving it unclear when or if there could be a referendum.

Insufficient Serious Debate

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unification has masked the shortage of informed dialogue, stated McBride.

"People tend to be for or against the concept but the actual thinking which may surpass that to make it possible has largely not occurred. Much has occurred in scholarly circles but very few elected officials or activists are willing to participate with even the basics. As an example, which kind of country might be preferred? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the volume, neither author supports unity or the status quo. Each authors two pieces that seek neutrality in presenting the case for a united Ireland and the rationale against, marshalling financial and societal figures, past examples and structural examples.

Arguments range over flags and symbols, duties, medical care, elderly benefits, national debt responsibilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The goal is to enlighten and provoke dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there is still lacking a discussion," stated the writer. "Dialogue indicates an acknowledgement of the notion that there could be valid points on each side."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens say they support unification but oppose paying higher taxes or introducing a alternative symbol to recognise unionists' British culture.

"The Irish government should determine what the offer from Irish nationalism is beyond just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist believes a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it may take place suddenly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a poor or a negligent secretary of state who states: 'We should proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have plausible, valid points, he commented. "Somebody will succeed on this issue and the other side will eventually be defeated but all factions has has something to acquire from the other's viewpoints."

Request for Wider Debate

Westminster must engage with the dialogue, stated the analyst. "This involves Britain. It is a British question as much as it is an Irish matter."