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A decade following the UK embarked on a hurried public vote that split the nation and caused chaos, a caution comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Authorities and electorate drifted into Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which nobody is equipped.

That is the message from two leading journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Unprepared

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially tense and monumental public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can build support very quickly," the commentator stated. "In my opinion that the governmental framework of our islands remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The team have examined the governmental, economic and societal rationales for any constitutional change in a volume, For and Against a United Ireland, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to stir debate on the issue with a roadshow of public talks that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts all parties, or should haunt all involved, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a binary, vague proposition whose implications have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extremely divided society where the losing side are not reconciled to losing and the those successful don't know precisely what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state should call a referendum on Irish unity if it seems probable that a most voters would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say this point is approaching, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but both governments and unionists play down the likelihood, resulting in ambiguity when or if there might be a national vote.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unity has masked the shortage of serious debate, said the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the idea but the actual thinking which may surpass that to realise it hasn't for the most part happened. Much has gone on in universities but very few elected officials or activists seek to involve themselves with the fundamentals. For instance, which kind of country might be preferred? Unitary? Federal?"

Publication's Method

In the book, none of the commentators supports unity or the status quo. Each authors two essays that strive for neutrality in detailing the case for a united Ireland and the rationale against, marshalling economic and social data, past examples and constitutional models.

Discussions encompass flags and symbols, levies, health services, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The aim is to inform and encourage dialogue.

"There's huge interest in the topic but there has not yet occurred a discussion," commented O’Toole. "Discussion implies an acknowledgement of the notion that there might be reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens say they prefer unity but refuse increased taxation or implementing a alternative symbol to acknowledge unionists' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland should establish what the proposal from Irish nationalism is other than just declaring: 'We want a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride considers a national vote in his era is likely and that it may take place suddenly. "There might be just a mad or a bad or a incompetent secretary of state who says: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid perspectives, he stated. "One side will win in this matter and the other side will ultimately be defeated but each side has got something to acquire from the alternative positions."

Call for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster should engage with the discussion, said the analyst. "This involves the United Kingdom. It's a British issue as much as it is an Irish issue."