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Ten years after the UK entered into a rushed referendum that polarised the country and caused chaos, a advisory is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and citizens entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar might transpire with a referendum on a unified Ireland, sparking convulsions for which nobody is equipped.

That is the message from two prominent journalists from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to scrutinise the pros and cons of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Ill-Equipped

Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially fraught and monumental public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that stuff can come out of the blue and can build support very quickly," O’Toole stated. "It is my view that the political architecture of our islands remains highly fragile."

New Title Aims to Stir Debate

The pair have studied the governmental, financial and cultural rationales for any structural alteration in a volume, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to encourage dialogue on the issue with a tour of public talks that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What concerns everybody, or must worry every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a yes-no, vague proposition whose results have not been clarified because then you find yourself with an extremely split population where people who have lost are resistant to losing and the victorious side don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups claim that moment is approaching, and a group named Ireland’s Future has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions downplay the likelihood, resulting in ambiguity if and when there could be a referendum.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unification has masked the lack of substantive discussion, stated McBride.

"Individuals are often for or against the concept but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has gone on in academia but very few government figures or advocates want to engage with the fundamentals. As an example, what type of nation should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the publication, none of the commentators endorses unity or the current situation. They composes two pieces that seek neutrality in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the rationale opposing it, assembling economic and social data, previous instances and constitutional models.

Arguments cover flags and symbols, taxes, medical care, elderly benefits, national debt responsibilities and the danger of loyalist violence. The aim is to enlighten and provoke discussion.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there has not yet occurred a debate," said the writer. "Discussion suggests an recognition of the idea that there may exist good arguments on either side."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where citizens report they favour unity but reject increased taxation or implementing a new flag to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin should work out what the proposal from Irish nationalism is other than just stating: 'We want a united Ireland and we love you'," said the commentator.

Probability of Referendum

The journalist believes a referendum in his era is probable and that it could happen suddenly. "It is possible just a mad or a poor or a feckless government minister who declares: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate points, he commented. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and somebody will eventually be defeated but each side has got important lessons to learn from the other's viewpoints."

Appeal for Wider Debate

Westminster must participate in the discussion, urged the analyst. "This involves the United Kingdom. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish matter."