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A decade after the UK entered into a hurried public vote that split the country and caused turmoil, a warning emerges from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking convulsions for which no one is prepared.

That conveys the caution from two prominent journalists from either side of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly contentious and monumental public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can gather momentum swiftly," O’Toole said. "It is my view that the institutional structure of our region remains extremely volatile."

Book Publication Intends to Provoke Discussion

The duo have analysed the governmental, financial and cultural arguments for any governmental shift in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to provoke discussion on the matter with a series of lectures that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns everyone, or ought to concern all involved, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented the analyst.

"We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose implications have remained undefined because then you land with an extraordinarily divided society where those defeated are resistant to losing and the victorious side don't know exactly what it is that they have gained."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups argue this point is approaching, and a group named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions play down the possibility, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there will be a national vote.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements for and against unification has hidden the absence of serious debate, noted McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the idea but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has taken place in academia but very few elected officials or campaigners seek to involve themselves with even the essentials. For instance, which kind of country should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, no writer advocates unity or the current situation. Both composes two pieces that seek objectivity in presenting the rationale for a unified Ireland and the rationale opposing it, assembling financial and societal figures, past examples and constitutional models.

Debates cover national emblems, duties, healthcare systems, retirement funds, public liabilities and the risk of unionist unrest. The aim is to educate and stimulate discussion.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there hasn't quite been a debate," said O’Toole. "Debate indicates an acceptance of the idea that there could be valid points on either side."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where citizens say they prefer unity but refuse increased taxation or implementing a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' British identity.

"The Irish government should determine what the plan from Irish nationalism is beyond just stating: 'We want a united Ireland and we value you'," stated the commentator.

Likelihood of Referendum

The journalist thinks a referendum in his lifetime is probable and that it may take place suddenly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a poor or a incompetent government minister who states: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate perspectives, he commented. "Somebody will prevail on this issue and the other side will ultimately be defeated but both parties has has important lessons to learn from the opposing positions."

Request for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster should engage with the discussion, stated the analyst. "This is about your state. It's a UK matter as much as it is an Irish matter."