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A decade following the UK entered into a hasty public vote that split the country and caused disorder, a caution is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and electorate entered unwittingly Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which nobody is prepared.

That is the message from two respected commentators from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to analyse the pros and cons of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Unprepared

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are extremely unprepared for a potentially contentious and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can build support rapidly," the commentator stated. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains very unstable."

Book Publication Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The duo have studied the governmental, financial and societal reasons for any structural alteration in a volume, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to encourage dialogue on the matter with a series of public talks that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What haunts everybody, or should haunt everybody, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said O’Toole.

"We should prevent a national vote on a yes-no, vague proposition whose results have not been spelled out because then you land with an extraordinarily divided society where people who have lost are unable to accept defeat and the those successful don't know exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unity if it appears likely that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say that moment is imminent, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the possibility, making it uncertain whether or when there might be a national vote.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unity has masked the absence of informed dialogue, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the notion but the actual thinking which may surpass that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has occurred in academia but scarcely any elected officials or advocates are willing to participate even with the basics. For instance, which kind of country would you want? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, none of the commentators endorses unification or the current situation. They composes two articles that aim for impartiality in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the argument against, assembling economic and societal statistics, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Arguments encompass identity markers, levies, healthcare systems, retirement funds, public liabilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The objective is to educate and stimulate conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," said the writer. "Discussion implies an recognition of the idea that there might be valid points on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate claim they support unity but oppose increased taxation or introducing a different emblem to recognise pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"The Irish government must work out what the plan from Irish nationalism is other than just declaring: 'We want a unified Ireland and we value you'," stated the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist believes a national vote in his era is likely and that it may take place abruptly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless government minister who says: 'Let's just do this and settle the matter.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, justified arguments, he commented. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and the other side will ultimately lose but each side has has something to acquire from the other's positions."

Request for Broader Dialogue

Westminster needed to engage with the discussion, stated the analyst. "This involves your state. It's a British question just as much as it is an Irish issue."