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

The government and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the identical might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which nobody is ready.

That represents the warning from two prominent writers from either side of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the pros and cons of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Structures Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have concluded that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a potentially tense and seismic referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can gather momentum swiftly," O’Toole stated. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our region remains extremely volatile."

New Title Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The pair have studied the political, economic and cultural rationales for any governmental shift in a volume, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the topic with a series of lectures that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts everybody, or must worry all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We should prevent a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose results have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily split population where those defeated are resistant to defeat and the those successful don't know precisely what it is that they have gained."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unification if it seems probable that a majority would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say this point is looming, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, making it uncertain whether or when there will be a national vote.

Absence of Serious Debate

Partisan language for and against unity has obscured the shortage of serious debate, noted McBride.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the concept but the concrete planning which may surpass that to achieve it is mostly absent. A lot has occurred in scholarly circles but hardly any politicians or activists seek to involve themselves with the basics. For instance, what sort of state should be desired? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, neither author advocates unity or the current situation. Both writes two pieces that aim for impartiality in laying out the argument for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, assembling financial and societal figures, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Arguments range over flags and symbols, levies, medical care, elderly benefits, national debt responsibilities and the threat of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to inform and stimulate dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there has not yet occurred a discussion," stated the writer. "Debate suggests an recognition of the concept that there could be valid points on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where citizens say they favour unification but refuse increased taxation or introducing a alternative symbol to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland does need to determine what the proposal from Irish nationalism is aside from just saying: 'We want a unified Ireland and we value you'," said the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride believes a referendum in his era is likely and that it could happen abruptly. "There might be just a reckless or a bad or a negligent official who declares: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Both nationalists and pro-UK supporters have credible, valid arguments, he said. "One side will succeed on this issue and somebody will in the end lose but all factions has has important lessons to acquire from the opposing arguments."

Appeal for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster should engage with the dialogue, stated the analyst. "This involves Britain. It's a UK matter equally as it is an Irish matter."