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Ten years following the UK stumbled into a rushed public vote that split the nation and triggered chaos, a caution emerges from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Policymakers and citizens sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, sparking convulsions for which nobody is prepared.

That represents the warning from two prominent journalists from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely ill-prepared for a possibly tense and monumental referendum.

"The lesson of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can build support very quickly," O’Toole said. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our region remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The pair have analysed the political, financial and societal reasons for any governmental shift in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the matter with a series of public talks that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles everybody, or must worry all involved, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily divided society where the losing side are unable to accept defeat and the those successful don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Legal Framework

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists argue that moment is approaching, and a organisation named Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions downplay the possibility, resulting in ambiguity if and when there will be a national vote.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has masked the shortage of informed dialogue, noted the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the concept but the actual thinking which could extend past that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but very few government figures or campaigners want to engage even with the essentials. For instance, what sort of state should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, neither author supports unity or the current situation. Each authors two pieces that aim for objectivity in laying out the rationale for a unified Ireland and the rationale against, assembling financial and social statistics, previous instances and governmental frameworks.

Debates encompass identity markers, duties, health services, retirement funds, public liabilities and the risk of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to educate and stimulate dialogue.

"There's huge interest in the subject but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," stated O’Toole. "Debate suggests an acceptance of the concept that there could be valid points on each side."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate report they favour unification but oppose greater financial contributions or implementing a different emblem to recognise unionists' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to determine what the plan from nationalist groups is beyond just stating: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we value you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

The journalist thinks a national vote in his era is possible and that it could happen suddenly. "There might be just a mad or a poor or a negligent secretary of state who says: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, justified arguments, he said. "One side will succeed here and the other side will ultimately be defeated but all factions has has something to acquire from the alternative viewpoints."

Call for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster should participate in the dialogue, urged O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It is a British question as much as it is an Irish issue."