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Ten years after the UK embarked on a hasty public vote that polarised the country and caused disorder, a warning emerges from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical might transpire with a referendum on a unified Ireland, triggering upheavals for which no one is equipped.

That represents the warning from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to establish a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a potentially contentious and transformative public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gain traction rapidly," O’Toole remarked. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our islands remains highly fragile."

Book Publication Seeks to Encourage Dialogue

The duo have examined the political, financial and cultural rationales for any constitutional change in a book, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the matter with a tour of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts everybody, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We should prevent a referendum on a binary, ambiguous question whose consequences have remained undefined because then you end up with an extraordinarily divided society where those defeated are not reconciled to losing and the those successful lack clarity precisely what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unity if it seems probable that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue such a time is approaching, and a group named pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions play down the possibility, leaving it unclear whether or when there might be a national vote.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has obscured the lack of substantive discussion, noted the journalist.

"Many are supportive or opposed the concept but the actual thinking which could extend past that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. Much has occurred in universities but scarcely any government figures or advocates want to engage with even the basics. To illustrate, what type of nation should be desired? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, no writer endorses unity or the current situation. Each authors two articles that strive for impartiality in presenting the case for a united Ireland and the rationale against, assembling economic and societal data, previous instances and constitutional models.

Debates cover identity markers, duties, health services, pensions, public liabilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to enlighten and encourage dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," commented O’Toole. "Debate indicates an acknowledgement of the idea that there might be reasonable perspectives on each side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where the electorate report they support unity but reject paying higher taxes or introducing a different emblem to reflect pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin should determine what the plan from pro-unification movements is aside from just saying: 'We desire a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," stated the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride considers a referendum in his lifetime is probable and that it may take place suddenly. "There might be just a reckless or a ill-advised or a feckless secretary of state who says: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid arguments, he stated. "One side will succeed here and the other side will in the end lose but all factions has got valuable insights to gain from the alternative positions."

Request for Wider Dialogue

Westminster needed to join the dialogue, stated the analyst. "This is about Britain. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."