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A decade following the UK embarked on a hurried referendum that divided the nation and triggered disorder, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Policymakers and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical may happen with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which nobody is ready.

That is the message from two prominent journalists from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Structures Unprepared

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a potentially fraught and transformative public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can gather momentum rapidly," the commentator said. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our islands remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The duo have analysed the political, financial and societal reasons for any structural alteration in a volume, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the issue with a roadshow of lectures that will bring them to Westminster soon.

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

"We must avoid a referendum on a binary, vague proposition whose consequences have not been clarified because then you land with an extraordinarily polarised community where the losing side are resistant to defeat and the victorious side don't know quite what it is that they have gained."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a referendum on Irish unification if it is indicated that a most voters would approve.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists argue such a time is approaching, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and unionists downplay the possibility, making it uncertain if and when there might be a national vote.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has masked the shortage of substantive discussion, noted McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the notion but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to realise it is mostly absent. Much has taken place in universities but hardly any politicians or campaigners want to engage with the fundamentals. As an example, what type of nation might be preferred? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, no writer supports unity or the existing arrangement. Each writes two articles that aim for objectivity in presenting the rationale for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, assembling economic and societal statistics, previous instances and constitutional models.

Debates range over flags and symbols, duties, healthcare systems, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to inform and stimulate conversation.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there is still lacking a debate," said O’Toole. "Discussion implies an acceptance of the notion that there may exist good arguments on either side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate claim they favour unity but reject paying higher taxes or implementing a new flag to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to establish what the offer from nationalist groups is beyond just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we welcome you'," said the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a national vote in his era is probable and that it might occur abruptly. "There might be just a reckless or a poor or a feckless secretary of state who says: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have reasonable, valid perspectives, he stated. "One side will prevail in this matter and the other side will eventually not succeed but each side has got something to acquire from the opposing viewpoints."

Request for Wider Dialogue

Westminster should participate in the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This is about your state. It's a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."