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A decade after the UK stumbled into a hurried public vote that polarised the country and caused disorder, a caution comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the similar could occur with a national vote on a unified Ireland, initiating convulsions for which no one is ready.

That conveys the caution from two prominent commentators from either side of the Irish border who have joined forces to scrutinise the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a possibly tense and seismic referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gather momentum swiftly," the commentator remarked. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our islands remains very unstable."

New Title Aims to Encourage Dialogue

The duo have studied the governmental, financial and societal arguments for any constitutional change in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, released by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to encourage dialogue on the topic with a series of public talks that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What haunts everybody, or ought to concern all involved, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We should prevent a national vote on a binary, vague proposition whose results have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an extremely polarised community where those defeated are resistant to losing and the people who have won are uncertain exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unity if it appears likely that a most voters would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say this point is imminent, and a group called Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and unionists play down the likelihood, resulting in ambiguity when or if there might be a national vote.

Absence of Serious Debate

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unification has obscured the lack of informed dialogue, said McBride.

"Many are for or against the concept but the concrete planning which may surpass that to achieve it has largely not occurred. Much has taken place in universities but very few government figures or campaigners want to engage with the basics. To illustrate, which kind of country might be preferred? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, no writer endorses unity or the status quo. They authors two articles that strive for objectivity in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, marshalling financial and societal figures, historical precedents and structural examples.

Debates encompass identity markers, levies, medical care, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the danger of unionist unrest. The goal is to educate and encourage dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there is still lacking a dialogue," said the writer. "Debate suggests an recognition of the idea that there may exist good arguments on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they favour unification but refuse greater financial contributions or introducing a new flag to recognise pro-UK communities' UK heritage.

"The Irish government should work out what the plan from Irish nationalism is aside from just saying: 'We desire a unified Ireland and we love you'," stated the commentator.

Likelihood of Referendum

McBride believes a referendum in his era is probable and that it might occur suddenly. "You could have just a mad or a bad or a negligent official who says: 'We should proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate arguments, he commented. "Somebody will succeed in this matter and somebody will in the end not succeed but each side has possesses important lessons to gain from the alternative viewpoints."

Appeal for Broader Dialogue

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