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Ten years after the UK entered into a hasty public vote that divided the country and caused disorder, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical might transpire with a referendum on a unified Ireland, triggering upheavals for which no one is equipped.

That is the message from two respected writers from either side of the Irish border who have joined forces 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 found that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely ill-prepared for a possibly contentious and seismic public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction very quickly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our region remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Seeks to Encourage Dialogue

The pair have studied the governmental, financial and societal reasons for any constitutional change in a volume, The Case For and Against Unification, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to provoke discussion on the issue with a roadshow of speaking events that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts everyone, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a yes-no, vague proposition whose results have not been clarified because then you end up with an extremely divided society where those defeated are not reconciled to losing and the those successful lack clarity precisely what it is that they have gained."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say this point is looming, and a group named pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, making it uncertain if and when there might be a referendum.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unification has obscured the absence of substantive discussion, said the journalist.

"Individuals are often for or against the concept but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has occurred in universities but hardly any government figures or activists are willing to participate with the basics. To illustrate, what type of nation would you want? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the volume, none of the commentators endorses unification or the current situation. Each composes two articles that strive for objectivity in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, gathering financial and societal data, previous instances and structural examples.

Discussions encompass identity markers, taxes, health services, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the threat of loyalist violence. The goal is to enlighten and encourage conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the subject but there is still lacking a discussion," commented O’Toole. "Dialogue suggests an acknowledgement of the concept 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 voters say they support unification but reject paying higher taxes or adopting a alternative symbol to recognise unionists' British culture.

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

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist considers a national vote in his generation is likely and that it may take place unexpectedly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a incompetent secretary of state who says: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have credible, valid perspectives, he said. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and somebody will ultimately not succeed but all factions has possesses valuable insights to gain from the other's positions."

Call for Broader Discussion

Westminster should engage with the discussion, said O’Toole. "This involves Britain. It is a UK matter equally as it is an Irish issue."