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Ten years after the UK embarked on a hurried referendum that split the nation and triggered chaos, a caution emerges from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Policymakers and electorate drifted into Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking upheavals for which nobody is equipped.

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 create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Institutions Not Ready

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a possibly fraught and transformative public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can build support very quickly," the commentator stated. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our region remains extremely volatile."

New Title Seeks to Stir Debate

The team have analysed the governmental, financial and societal arguments for any structural alteration in a volume, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to provoke discussion on the issue with a roadshow of speaking events that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts all parties, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a yes-no, unclear proposal whose implications have not been clarified because then you land with an extraordinarily polarised community where the losing side are not reconciled to losing and the those successful don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official should call a referendum on Irish unification if it appears likely that a majority would approve.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists say this point is looming, and a non-profit named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, making it uncertain whether or when there will be a national vote.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has hidden the shortage of serious debate, stated the journalist.

"Individuals are often for or against the concept but the actual thinking which could extend past that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A great deal has gone on in scholarly circles but very few politicians or advocates are willing to participate with the basics. As an example, what type of nation should be desired? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, none of the commentators endorses unification or the current situation. Each authors two pieces that aim for objectivity in laying out the case for a united Ireland and the argument opposing it, gathering economic and societal data, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Debates range over flags and symbols, levies, healthcare systems, pensions, public liabilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The aim is to educate and provoke dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there is still lacking a discussion," stated O’Toole. "Dialogue suggests an acceptance of the idea that there could be good arguments on either side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where citizens say they prefer unification but reject paying higher taxes or adopting a new flag to recognise unionists' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to determine what the proposal from nationalist groups is beyond just stating: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we love you'," remarked the commentator.

Probability of Public Vote

McBride believes a referendum in his lifetime is likely and that it might occur suddenly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless official who states: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Both nationalists and unionists have plausible, legitimate arguments, he stated. "One side will succeed on this issue and the other side will eventually not succeed but both parties has possesses important lessons to learn from the alternative positions."

Request for More Extensive Debate

Westminster needed to join the debate, said the analyst. "This involves your state. It is a UK matter as much as it is an Irish issue."