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Ten years after the UK embarked on a hasty referendum that polarised the country and unleashed chaos, a advisory is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

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

That conveys the caution from two prominent journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to scrutinise the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Unprepared

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready 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 build support swiftly," the commentator stated. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Aims to Provoke Discussion

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

They aim to provoke discussion on the topic with a tour of lectures that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What troubles all parties, or ought to concern everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented the analyst.

"We must avoid a referendum on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose implications have not been clarified because then you end up with an highly split population where those defeated are unable to accept defeat and the victorious side lack clarity exactly what it is that they have gained."

Legal Framework

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would approve.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups claim this point is imminent, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and pro-UK factions downplay the prospect, resulting in ambiguity if and when there might be a referendum.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unity has hidden the lack of informed dialogue, stated the journalist.

"Many are supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to make it possible is mostly absent. A great deal has taken place in universities but hardly any government figures or advocates are willing to participate even with the basics. To illustrate, what sort of state would you want? Unitary? Federal?"

Publication's Method

In the publication, none of the commentators advocates unity or the existing arrangement. Both composes two pieces that seek neutrality in detailing the argument for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, gathering financial and social figures, historical precedents and structural examples.

Debates range over national emblems, taxes, health services, elderly benefits, national debt responsibilities and the risk of loyalist violence. The goal is to enlighten and provoke dialogue.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," said the writer. "Debate suggests an acceptance of the idea that there could be valid points on either side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where the electorate report they support unification but oppose increased taxation or adopting a new flag to recognise pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"The Irish government should establish what the proposal from nationalist groups is other than just stating: 'We want a united Ireland and we love you'," remarked the commentator.

Probability of Public Vote

The journalist considers a referendum in his generation is likely and that it could happen abruptly. "It is possible just a mad or a poor or a incompetent government minister who states: 'Let's just do this and settle the matter.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, justified points, he stated. "One side will win here and the other side will eventually lose but both parties has got important lessons to learn from the alternative viewpoints."

Appeal for Wider Discussion

Westminster needed to participate in the dialogue, stated O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It is a UK matter equally as it is an Irish matter."