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Ten years after the UK entered into a rushed public vote that divided the country and triggered chaos, a caution is issued from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Authorities and voters drifted into Brexit and the same might transpire with a national vote on a unified Ireland, sparking convulsions for which nobody is equipped.

That conveys the caution from two respected writers from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a potentially tense and seismic referendum.

"The lesson of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gain traction very quickly," the commentator stated. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Intends to Stir Debate

The team have examined the political, financial and cultural rationales for any governmental shift in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the matter with a series of speaking events that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns all parties, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented the analyst.

"We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily divided society where those defeated are not reconciled to losing and the victorious side are uncertain precisely what it is that they have won."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state must arrange a referendum on Irish unity if it appears likely that a majority would support.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists claim this point is looming, and a organisation named Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions play down the likelihood, making it uncertain if and when there will be a referendum.

Lack of Substantive Discussion

Political rhetoric for and against unification has obscured the shortage of informed dialogue, noted McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to realise it is mostly absent. Much has taken place in universities but very few elected officials or activists seek to involve themselves with even the essentials. As an example, what sort of state would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the publication, no writer advocates unification or the status quo. Both composes two essays that strive for impartiality in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the argument opposing it, assembling economic and social figures, previous instances and structural examples.

Arguments range over national emblems, levies, health services, pensions, public liabilities and the threat of loyalist violence. The objective is to enlighten and encourage conversation.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there hasn't quite been a debate," commented O’Toole. "Discussion suggests an acknowledgement of the idea that there could be good arguments on both sides."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where citizens claim they favour unification but reject greater financial contributions or implementing a alternative symbol to recognise pro-UK communities' British culture.

"The Irish government does need to determine what the offer from pro-unification movements is aside from just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we welcome you'," said the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a referendum in his generation is possible and that it might occur unexpectedly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a bad or a feckless government minister who declares: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have reasonable, valid points, he stated. "One side will succeed in this matter and somebody will ultimately not succeed but all factions has possesses something to gain from the opposing viewpoints."

Appeal for Wider Debate

Westminster must join the discussion, stated the analyst. "This is about your state. It is a UK matter just as much as it is an Irish matter."