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Ten years following the UK entered into a rushed public vote that split the nation and unleashed chaos, a caution is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

The government and citizens entered unwittingly Brexit and the same might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, triggering upheavals for which no one is equipped.

That represents the warning from two leading commentators from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to establish a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a potentially tense and monumental public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that developments can arise suddenly and can build support rapidly," the commentator remarked. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Seeks to Encourage Dialogue

The team have analysed the governmental, financial and societal rationales for any constitutional change in a volume, Examining Irish Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to provoke discussion on the matter with a series of speaking events that will bring them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles all parties, or should haunt all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We must avoid a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, ambiguous question whose results have not been clarified because then you land with an highly split population where the losing side are unable to accept losing and the those successful don't know quite what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a referendum on Irish unification if it appears likely that a majority would approve.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists claim that moment is looming, and a organisation called pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and unionists play down the prospect, making it uncertain if and when there could be a referendum.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unification has obscured the shortage of informed dialogue, stated McBride.

"Individuals are often for or against the idea but the concrete planning which may surpass that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. Much has gone on in universities but very few politicians or advocates seek to involve themselves with the essentials. To illustrate, which kind of country should be desired? Unitary? Federal?"

Publication's Method

In the book, no writer supports unity or the status quo. Both authors two pieces that strive for impartiality in laying out the rationale for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, assembling economic and societal data, historical precedents and constitutional models.

Arguments cover flags and symbols, levies, medical care, retirement funds, national debt responsibilities and the risk of unionist unrest. The objective is to inform and encourage conversation.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there is still lacking a discussion," said O’Toole. "Discussion implies an acknowledgement of the idea that there might be reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where citizens report they support unification but refuse increased taxation or implementing a new flag to recognise unionists' British culture.

"The Irish government must work out what the plan from Irish nationalism is beyond just stating: 'We want a united Ireland and we value you'," said the commentator.

Probability of Referendum

The journalist considers a national vote in his generation is likely and that it could happen abruptly. "There might be just a mad or a ill-advised or a negligent official who states: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Both nationalists and unionists have reasonable, justified points, he stated. "Somebody will win in this matter and the other side will eventually lose but all factions has got valuable insights to acquire from the alternative viewpoints."

Appeal for Wider Debate

Westminster should participate in the dialogue, stated the analyst. "This involves the United Kingdom. It is a British question just as much as it is an Irish issue."