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A decade after the UK stumbled into a hasty public vote that divided the nation and triggered turmoil, a caution is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and citizens drifted into Brexit and the similar may happen with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking convulsions for which nobody is prepared.

That is the message from two prominent journalists from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Not Ready

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a potentially contentious and seismic public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that developments can emerge unexpectedly and can build support very quickly," the commentator remarked. "It is my view that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains very unstable."

Released Volume Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The pair have studied the governmental, economic and societal arguments for any constitutional change in a book, For and Against a United Ireland, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the topic with a series of public talks that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts everybody, or must worry every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose implications have not been clarified because then you end up with an extremely divided society where those defeated are unable to accept defeat and the people who have won don't know exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unity if it appears likely that a majority would vote in favour.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists say that moment is looming, and a non-profit named pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the possibility, resulting in ambiguity when or if there might be a referendum.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Partisan language for and against unity has masked the absence of substantive discussion, said McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the concept but the actual thinking which could extend past that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but scarcely any politicians or activists are willing to participate with the fundamentals. As an example, what sort of state should be desired? Unitary? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, neither author advocates unification or the current situation. Both composes two articles that seek objectivity in laying out the rationale for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, marshalling financial and social statistics, previous instances and governmental frameworks.

Debates cover identity markers, duties, medical care, pensions, public liabilities and the threat of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to educate and provoke conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there is still lacking a dialogue," commented the writer. "Debate indicates an acceptance of the idea that there might be valid points on either side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where citizens report they prefer unification but refuse greater financial contributions or adopting a new flag to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"The Irish government must work out what the offer from nationalist groups is beyond just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we value you'," stated the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

McBride considers a referendum in his generation is probable and that it could happen abruptly. "It is possible just a reckless or a bad or a negligent government minister who states: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, legitimate points, he commented. "One side will succeed here and the other side will ultimately be defeated but both parties has has something to learn from the opposing positions."

Call for Wider Dialogue

Westminster should participate in the discussion, stated O’Toole. "This concerns Britain. It is a UK matter just as much as it is an Irish question."