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Ten years after the UK stumbled into a hasty referendum that split the country and unleashed chaos, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and citizens sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, initiating convulsions for which nobody is equipped.

That conveys the caution from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland departing the UK to establish a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Institutions Unprepared

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a possibly contentious and transformative referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can gain traction swiftly," O’Toole remarked. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our islands remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Intends to Stir Debate

The pair have analysed the governmental, financial and cultural rationales for any governmental shift in a book, For and Against a United Ireland, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the topic with a roadshow of public talks that will bring them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts all parties, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We must avoid a referendum on a binary, unclear proposal whose results have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily polarised community where people who have lost are not reconciled to defeat and the people who have won don't know quite what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official should call a public vote on Irish unification if it seems probable that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups argue this point is looming, and a group called pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the possibility, making it uncertain whether or when there might be a referendum.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unification has masked the shortage of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the notion but the concrete planning which could extend past that to achieve it has largely not occurred. A lot has taken place in universities but very few government figures or advocates want to engage with even the essentials. To illustrate, what sort of state should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, neither author endorses unification or the status quo. Each authors two pieces that seek impartiality in laying out the argument for a united Ireland and the rationale against, assembling financial and social figures, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Arguments cover flags and symbols, taxes, medical care, retirement funds, 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 has not yet occurred a discussion," stated the writer. "Dialogue implies an acknowledgement of the idea that there could be good arguments on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where citizens claim they prefer unity but oppose greater financial contributions or introducing a new flag to reflect unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin must determine what the offer from Irish nationalism is other than just declaring: 'We desire a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," said O’Toole.

Likelihood of Referendum

McBride thinks a referendum in his generation is possible and that it may take place unexpectedly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a incompetent official who states: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have reasonable, legitimate perspectives, he stated. "Somebody will prevail here and somebody will eventually lose but all factions has got valuable insights to acquire from the alternative viewpoints."

Call for Wider Dialogue

Westminster should participate in the discussion, urged O’Toole. "This involves Britain. It's a British question as much as it is an Irish question."