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A decade following the UK stumbled into a hurried public vote that divided the country and triggered chaos, a advisory comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Policymakers and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking disturbances for which no one is equipped.

That is the message from two respected writers from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to establish a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Ill-Equipped

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride, have found that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a possibly tense and seismic public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can gather momentum swiftly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The pair have examined the governmental, financial and cultural reasons for any governmental shift in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to provoke discussion on the matter with a tour of lectures that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

"What concerns everybody, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a yes-no, vague proposition whose implications have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily divided society where the losing side are resistant to losing and the those successful don't know precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a referendum on Irish unification if it is indicated that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups claim that moment is imminent, and a group named pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions play down the likelihood, making it uncertain if and when there could be a referendum.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has masked the absence of informed dialogue, stated the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to realise it has largely not occurred. A great deal has gone on in academia but scarcely any politicians or campaigners seek to involve themselves with even the fundamentals. For instance, which kind of country should be desired? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, no writer supports unification or the current situation. Each writes two articles that seek neutrality in detailing the argument for a unified Ireland and the rationale against, assembling economic and social statistics, past examples and structural examples.

Arguments range over flags and symbols, levies, medical care, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the risk of unionist unrest. The aim is to enlighten and stimulate conversation.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," stated the writer. "Debate suggests an recognition of the notion that there may exist good arguments on each side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they favour unification but oppose greater financial contributions or implementing a new flag to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland should determine what the offer from Irish nationalism is other than just saying: 'We want a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Likelihood of Referendum

The journalist considers a national vote in his generation is likely and that it may take place suddenly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless government minister who says: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and pro-UK supporters have reasonable, justified points, he said. "One side will succeed in this matter and somebody will eventually lose but all factions has possesses important lessons to gain from the other's viewpoints."

Request for Wider Dialogue

Westminster needed to engage with the discussion, said O’Toole. "This is about Britain. It's a British question equally as it is an Irish matter."