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A decade after the UK stumbled into a hasty public vote that split the nation and caused turmoil, a caution comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Authorities and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the similar might transpire with a national vote on a unified Ireland, sparking upheavals for which nobody is prepared.

That is the message from two respected writers from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are extremely ill-prepared for a potentially contentious and transformative public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can come out of the blue and can build support rapidly," O’Toole remarked. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our islands remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The pair have examined the political, financial and societal reasons for any constitutional change in a book, Examining Irish Unification, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the issue with a roadshow of speaking events that will bring them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts all parties, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," said the analyst.

"We do not want a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose consequences have remained undefined because then you end up with an highly divided society where people who have lost are resistant to losing and the those successful are uncertain precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland secretary of state should call a public vote on Irish unity if it appears likely that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists argue such a time is looming, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions downplay the likelihood, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there will be a referendum.

Absence of Serious Debate

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has masked the absence of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be for or against the notion but the concrete planning which may surpass that to realise it is mostly absent. A lot has taken place in universities but hardly any politicians or campaigners are willing to participate with even the essentials. As an example, what type of nation might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, none of the commentators supports unity or the status quo. Each authors two essays that aim for impartiality in detailing the case for a unified Ireland and the rationale opposing it, gathering financial and societal figures, previous instances and constitutional models.

Arguments cover flags and symbols, levies, healthcare systems, pensions, public liabilities and the danger of loyalist violence. The aim is to educate and stimulate dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there is still lacking a dialogue," said O’Toole. "Dialogue suggests an acceptance of the concept that there may exist valid points on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they support unity but oppose greater financial contributions or introducing a alternative symbol to recognise pro-UK communities' British identity.

"The Irish government should determine what the proposal from Irish nationalism is other than just stating: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," remarked O’Toole.

Probability of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a referendum in his lifetime is likely and that it may take place abruptly. "There might be just a mad or a poor or a negligent official who states: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Both nationalists and unionists have credible, valid perspectives, he said. "Somebody will succeed here and the other side will in the end lose but each side has got something to acquire from the other's arguments."

Appeal for More Extensive Debate

Westminster should participate in the discussion, said O’Toole. "This concerns the United Kingdom. It is a British issue just as much as it is an Irish question."