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Ten years following the UK stumbled into a rushed referendum that divided the nation and unleashed chaos, a caution comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a unified Ireland, initiating disturbances for which no one is equipped.

That represents the warning from two leading journalists from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to scrutinise the pros and cons of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are gravely unprepared for a potentially contentious and transformative public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can arise suddenly and can build support swiftly," the commentator remarked. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our region remains very unstable."

Released Volume Seeks to Stir Debate

The duo have analysed the political, economic and cultural arguments for any structural alteration in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to provoke discussion on the topic with a tour of lectures that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What troubles everybody, or must worry every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We must avoid a referendum on a binary, vague proposition whose results have remained undefined because then you land with an highly divided society where people who have lost are resistant to defeat and the victorious side are uncertain precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a public vote on Irish unity if it seems probable that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists argue that moment is approaching, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the prospect, leaving it unclear when or if there might be a national vote.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has masked the lack of serious debate, said McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the notion but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has gone on in scholarly circles but very few elected officials or campaigners want to engage with even the basics. For instance, which kind of country would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the volume, none of the commentators advocates unification or the current situation. Both writes two pieces that strive for neutrality in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the argument opposing it, gathering economic and social figures, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Arguments encompass national emblems, duties, health services, retirement funds, national debt responsibilities and the risk of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to educate and provoke conversation.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there is still lacking a debate," stated O’Toole. "Dialogue indicates an recognition of the notion that there could be reasonable perspectives on each side."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where citizens claim they prefer unification but oppose paying higher taxes or introducing a alternative symbol to reflect unionists' British identity.

"Policymakers in Ireland does need to establish what the proposal from nationalist groups is other than just stating: 'We desire a united Ireland and we love you'," stated O’Toole.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist considers a national vote in his era is possible and that it could happen unexpectedly. "There might be just a mad or a poor or a incompetent secretary of state who states: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have reasonable, valid arguments, he commented. "Somebody will succeed in this matter and somebody will eventually not succeed but both parties has got valuable insights to gain from the alternative arguments."

Request for Broader Debate

Westminster needed to engage with the debate, urged O’Toole. "This is about Britain. It's a UK matter equally as it is an Irish question."