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Ten years following the UK embarked on a hurried referendum that divided the nation and triggered turmoil, a advisory comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

The government and citizens drifted into Brexit and the identical could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which no one is prepared.

That is the message from two respected journalists from either side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a potentially fraught and monumental referendum.

"The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can gain traction very quickly," O’Toole said. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains very unstable."

Released Volume Seeks to Stir Debate

The duo have examined the governmental, economic and cultural rationales for any constitutional change in a book, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to provoke discussion on the matter with a series of lectures that will bring them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts everyone, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," said the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose consequences have not been clarified because then you end up with an extremely polarised community where those defeated are unable to accept defeat and the people who have won don't know quite what it is that they have won."

Constitutional Provision

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

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say this point is looming, and a group called Ireland’s Future 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.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric for and against unification has masked the absence of informed dialogue, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to make it possible is mostly absent. A great deal has occurred in scholarly circles but scarcely any government figures or campaigners seek to involve themselves even with the essentials. For instance, what sort of state should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the book, no writer advocates unity or the existing arrangement. They authors two essays that strive for impartiality in laying out the argument for a united Ireland and the case against, marshalling economic and social statistics, historical precedents and structural examples.

Discussions encompass national emblems, duties, healthcare systems, retirement funds, public liabilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The aim is to enlighten and encourage dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there has not yet occurred a discussion," said O’Toole. "Dialogue suggests an acceptance of the notion that there may exist reasonable perspectives on each side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens report they support unity but refuse greater financial contributions or adopting a different emblem to acknowledge unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin must determine what the offer from pro-unification movements is beyond just stating: 'We desire a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," stated the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist considers a referendum in his generation is likely and that it may take place suddenly. "You could have just a mad or a bad or a negligent official who says: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate perspectives, he said. "One side will win here and the other side will eventually not succeed but each side has possesses something to learn from the other's arguments."

Appeal for Wider Dialogue

Westminster needed to join the discussion, urged the analyst. "This is about Britain. It's a British issue equally as it is an Irish issue."