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Ten years following the UK embarked on a rushed referendum that divided the nation and triggered disorder, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

The government and electorate entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, triggering upheavals for which nobody is ready.

That is the message from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially fraught and monumental public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can build support very quickly," the commentator stated. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The team have analysed the political, economic and cultural rationales for any structural alteration in a book, Examining Irish Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the matter with a series of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster soon.

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

"We should prevent a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, ambiguous question whose results have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily divided society where the losing side are not reconciled to defeat and the people who have won don't know precisely what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unity if it seems probable that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups claim that moment is looming, and a non-profit called pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and unionists minimise the prospect, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there could be a referendum.

Absence of Serious Debate

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has obscured the absence of informed dialogue, stated the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the notion but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to make it possible has largely not occurred. A great deal has occurred in universities but very few government figures or activists seek to involve themselves with the fundamentals. As an example, what sort of state might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, no writer advocates unification or the status quo. Both composes two essays that aim for impartiality in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the rationale against, gathering financial and societal figures, past examples and constitutional models.

Debates range over flags and symbols, levies, medical care, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the risk of loyalist violence. The aim is to inform and provoke conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there is still lacking a discussion," stated the writer. "Debate indicates an acknowledgement of the idea that there could be reasonable perspectives on either side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they support unity but reject paying higher taxes or implementing a alternative symbol to reflect unionists' UK heritage.

"Policymakers in Ireland must establish what the offer from nationalist groups is beyond just stating: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride thinks a referendum in his lifetime is possible and that it may take place abruptly. "There might be just a mad or a poor or a negligent government minister who declares: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have plausible, legitimate points, he stated. "Somebody will succeed on this issue and somebody will eventually lose but all factions has possesses valuable insights to acquire from the alternative positions."

Appeal for Wider Debate

Westminster must engage with the debate, stated the analyst. "This concerns Britain. It's a British question just as much as it is an Irish matter."