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A decade following the UK entered into a rushed referendum that divided the nation and unleashed turmoil, a advisory is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and electorate drifted into Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a unified Ireland, triggering disturbances for which no one is prepared.

That represents the warning from two leading commentators from either side of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a potentially fraught and seismic referendum.

"The lesson of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can come out of the blue and can gain traction very quickly," the commentator remarked. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our islands remains very unstable."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The team have analysed the political, economic and cultural arguments for any governmental shift in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to provoke discussion on the matter with a tour of speaking events that will bring them to Westminster early next month.

"What concerns everyone, or must worry all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We must avoid a referendum on a binary, vague proposition whose results have not been clarified because then you end up with an extremely divided society where the losing side are resistant to losing and the victorious side don't know precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

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

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups argue such a time is approaching, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions play down the prospect, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there could be a referendum.

Insufficient Substantive Discussion

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has masked the absence of informed dialogue, noted McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has taken place in academia but very few government figures or activists want to engage even with the basics. To illustrate, what sort of state should be desired? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, neither author advocates unification or the existing arrangement. They authors two pieces that seek neutrality in presenting the rationale for a unified Ireland and the rationale opposing it, gathering financial and social statistics, previous instances and structural examples.

Debates encompass national emblems, duties, health services, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The goal is to enlighten and encourage conversation.

"Considerable attention exists in the subject but there hasn't quite been a dialogue," commented the writer. "Discussion suggests an acknowledgement of the idea that there might be reasonable perspectives on each side."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where voters report they favour unification but reject increased taxation or introducing a new flag to recognise unionists' British identity.

"The Irish government must work out what the plan from Irish nationalism is aside from just stating: 'We desire a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

McBride thinks a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it might occur suddenly. "There might be just a mad or a poor or a incompetent official who says: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid perspectives, he stated. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and somebody will in the end not succeed but each side has has important lessons to acquire from the other's viewpoints."

Call for Broader Discussion

Westminster should join the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This involves Britain. It's a British question equally as it is an Irish issue."