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A decade following the UK entered into a rushed public vote that polarised the country and caused chaos, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

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

That represents the warning from two leading writers from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Not Ready

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely unprepared for a potentially contentious and monumental public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gather momentum rapidly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the political architecture of our islands remains very unstable."

Released Volume Aims to Provoke Discussion

The pair have analysed the governmental, financial and cultural arguments for any constitutional change in a book, For and Against a United Ireland, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the matter with a roadshow of speaking events that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What troubles everybody, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a yes-no, vague proposition whose consequences have remained undefined because then you end up with an highly split population where people who have lost are resistant to defeat and the people who have won don't know exactly what it is that they have won."

Legal Framework

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland secretary of state must arrange a public vote on Irish unification if it appears likely that a majority would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say this point is looming, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions downplay the possibility, leaving it unclear when or if there might be a national vote.

Lack of Serious Debate

Ideological statements for and against unity has obscured the lack of substantive discussion, stated McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the concrete planning which might go beyond that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A lot has gone on in academia but very few government figures or activists want to engage with even the essentials. To illustrate, what type of nation would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the publication, neither author supports unity or the status quo. They composes two pieces that strive for objectivity in detailing the rationale for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, marshalling financial and societal data, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Discussions encompass identity markers, taxes, healthcare systems, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the risk of loyalist violence. The objective is to inform and encourage conversation.

"There's huge interest in the topic but there has not yet occurred a debate," stated O’Toole. "Discussion suggests an acceptance of the idea that there may exist reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens say they support unification but oppose paying higher taxes or implementing a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland should determine what the proposal from nationalist groups is beyond just saying: 'We want a united Ireland and we love you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist considers a national vote in his generation is possible and that it may take place suddenly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a poor or a incompetent official who states: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have reasonable, valid arguments, he stated. "One side will prevail in this matter and the other side will in the end lose but both parties has has valuable insights to acquire from the opposing viewpoints."

Appeal for More Extensive Debate

Westminster needed to join the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This is about your state. It is a UK matter equally as it is an Irish matter."