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Ten years after the UK embarked on a hasty public vote that polarised the nation and triggered disorder, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Authorities and voters drifted into Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking convulsions for which no one is equipped.

That is the message from two prominent journalists from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Ill-Equipped

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

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can build support rapidly," the commentator said. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our archipelago remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The team have examined the governmental, economic and societal reasons for any governmental shift in a volume, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to provoke discussion on the issue with a series of lectures that will bring them to Westminster early next month.

"What concerns everybody, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We must avoid a referendum on a yes-no, vague proposition whose implications have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily divided society where those defeated are resistant to losing and the people who have won don't know precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland official is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unification if it seems probable that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists claim that moment is imminent, and a group named pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but both governments and unionists downplay the likelihood, leaving it unclear if and when there could be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unification has obscured the shortage of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A lot has gone on in academia but scarcely any elected officials or advocates seek to involve themselves with even the basics. To illustrate, which kind of country would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the book, no writer supports unification or the current situation. Each writes two pieces that strive for objectivity in detailing the case for a united Ireland and the argument against, gathering economic and societal statistics, historical precedents and constitutional models.

Debates encompass national emblems, duties, healthcare systems, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the threat of unionist unrest. The goal is to enlighten and provoke discussion.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there hasn't quite been a debate," said O’Toole. "Discussion indicates an acceptance of the notion that there might be good arguments on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where voters claim they prefer unity but refuse increased taxation or adopting a alternative symbol to recognise pro-UK communities' British culture.

"The Irish government does need to determine what the offer from nationalist groups is other than just stating: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," remarked O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist believes a national vote in his era is probable and that it might occur unexpectedly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a poor or a feckless government minister who says: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, valid arguments, he said. "One side will win here and the other side will ultimately be defeated but both parties has has something to acquire from the opposing positions."

Call for More Extensive Debate

Westminster should participate in the debate, urged the analyst. "This involves Britain. It's a British question just as much as it is an Irish matter."