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A decade after the UK stumbled into a rushed public vote that divided the country and triggered disorder, a advisory comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Policymakers and electorate entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking upheavals for which nobody is ready.

That is the message from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Unprepared

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a potentially contentious and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can come out of the blue and can gain traction very quickly," the commentator remarked. "It is my view that the political architecture of our region remains highly fragile."

New Title Seeks to Stir Debate

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

They aim to provoke discussion on the matter with a tour of speaking events that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

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

"We should prevent a referendum on a binary, unclear proposal whose implications have not been clarified because then you end up with an highly split population where those defeated are not reconciled to defeat and the people who have won don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a public vote on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say such a time is approaching, and a group named Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and unionists downplay the prospect, leaving it unclear if and when there will be a referendum.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has hidden the shortage of serious debate, said McBride.

"People tend to be for or against the idea but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to make it possible has largely not occurred. Much has taken place in academia but hardly any government figures or campaigners are willing to participate with even the essentials. As an example, what type of nation might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, neither author advocates unity or the existing arrangement. They composes two pieces that seek neutrality in detailing the argument for a united Ireland and the case against, gathering economic and societal figures, past examples and structural examples.

Debates encompass national emblems, taxes, medical care, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to educate and encourage dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there hasn't quite been a dialogue," stated O’Toole. "Discussion indicates an acceptance of the notion that there might be valid points on either side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where the electorate say they prefer unity but refuse greater financial contributions or implementing a different emblem to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"The Irish government should establish what the plan from nationalist groups is aside from just saying: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride considers a referendum in his era is probable and that it could happen abruptly. "There might be just a reckless or a poor or a negligent secretary of state who states: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Both nationalists and pro-UK supporters have reasonable, valid points, he said. "Somebody will succeed here and the other side will ultimately be defeated but all factions has got valuable insights to acquire from the opposing arguments."

Appeal for Wider Dialogue

Westminster needed to engage with the discussion, said O’Toole. "This involves the United Kingdom. It's a UK matter equally as it is an Irish issue."