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Ten years after the UK embarked on a hasty public vote that split the nation and unleashed chaos, a caution is issued from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Authorities and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, triggering disturbances for which no one is prepared.

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

Governmental Institutions Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are extremely unprepared for a possibly contentious and seismic public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gain traction swiftly," O’Toole stated. "It is my view that the political architecture of our islands remains very unstable."

Book Publication Seeks to Stir Debate

The team have studied the political, economic and societal reasons for any constitutional change in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the issue with a tour of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What haunts everyone, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We should prevent a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, unclear proposal whose implications have not been clarified because then you land with an extraordinarily split population where people who have lost are not reconciled to losing and the people who have won lack clarity exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups say that moment is looming, and a non-profit called pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but both governments and unionists downplay the possibility, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there could be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unification has obscured the absence of serious debate, noted McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the actual thinking which may surpass that to realise it has largely not occurred. A great deal has gone on in scholarly circles but hardly any elected officials or advocates seek to involve themselves even with the basics. To illustrate, which kind of country might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, neither author supports unity or the current situation. They composes two pieces that aim for neutrality in presenting the argument for a united Ireland and the case against, assembling financial and societal statistics, previous instances and governmental frameworks.

Debates cover identity markers, duties, healthcare systems, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to educate and stimulate discussion.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there has not yet occurred a debate," commented the writer. "Debate indicates an recognition of the concept that there might be reasonable perspectives on each side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters report they favour unity but refuse paying higher taxes or adopting a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' British identity.

"The Irish government must establish what the plan from pro-unification movements is aside from just saying: 'We want a united Ireland and we love you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride considers a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it might occur unexpectedly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless government minister who says: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have plausible, justified points, he commented. "One side will win on this issue and somebody will ultimately lose but each side has possesses valuable insights to learn from the other's positions."

Appeal for Wider Discussion

Westminster must join the discussion, stated O’Toole. "This is about the United Kingdom. It's a UK matter equally as it is an Irish issue."