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Ten years following the UK embarked on a rushed referendum that split the country and caused chaos, a advisory is issued from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

The government and citizens drifted into Brexit and the identical might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, triggering convulsions for which nobody is prepared.

That conveys the caution from two prominent journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a potentially contentious and seismic public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can build support very quickly," the commentator said. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Seeks to Encourage Dialogue

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

They aim to encourage dialogue on the matter with a tour of public talks that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What concerns all parties, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We should prevent a national vote on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose implications have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily divided society where those defeated are resistant to losing and the victorious side lack clarity quite what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue that moment is approaching, and a non-profit called pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, resulting in ambiguity when or if there could be a referendum.

Lack of Serious Debate

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unification has masked the absence of informed dialogue, said the journalist.

"People tend to be for or against the idea but the concrete planning which may surpass that to make it possible has largely not occurred. A great deal has taken place in academia but hardly any elected officials or activists seek to involve themselves with the fundamentals. To illustrate, which kind of country should be desired? Unitary? Federal?"

Publication's Method

In the book, neither author supports unity or the status quo. Each writes two articles that strive for impartiality in detailing the rationale for a unified Ireland and the case against, assembling financial and societal statistics, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Arguments range over national emblems, taxes, healthcare systems, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The goal is to inform and provoke conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there hasn't quite been a debate," said the writer. "Debate indicates an acknowledgement of the concept that there may exist valid points on either side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate report they prefer unification but refuse greater financial contributions or introducing a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin must establish what the proposal from Irish nationalism is other than just saying: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a referendum in his lifetime is probable and that it could happen abruptly. "You could have just a mad or a ill-advised or a negligent government minister who declares: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid arguments, he said. "Somebody will prevail here and the other side will ultimately be defeated but each side has has valuable insights to acquire from the other's positions."

Call for Wider Dialogue

Westminster must participate in the dialogue, said the analyst. "This involves Britain. It's a British question just as much as it is an Irish matter."