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A decade after the UK entered into a hasty public vote that split the country and triggered turmoil, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Authorities and voters drifted into Brexit and the same may happen with a national vote on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which no one is ready.

That is the message from two leading journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially tense and monumental referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gather momentum swiftly," the commentator said. "In my opinion that the institutional structure of our region remains very unstable."

New Title Seeks to Encourage Dialogue

The duo have examined the governmental, economic and cultural reasons for any structural alteration in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to encourage dialogue on the issue with a roadshow of lectures that will lead them to Westminster soon.

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

"We do not want a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, unclear proposal whose consequences have remained undefined because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily split population where people who have lost are resistant to defeat and the victorious side don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland secretary of state should call a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Nationalist parties and other nationalists claim such a time is approaching, and a non-profit called pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions minimise the prospect, making it uncertain when or if there might be a national vote.

Insufficient Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unity has masked the lack of substantive discussion, said McBride.

"Many are supportive or opposed the idea but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to make it possible is mostly absent. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but hardly any government figures or campaigners want to engage even with the basics. For instance, what sort of state might be preferred? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the volume, no writer advocates unification or the current situation. Each composes two essays that strive for impartiality in presenting the argument for a united Ireland and the rationale opposing it, marshalling economic and societal figures, historical precedents and structural examples.

Discussions range over flags and symbols, levies, healthcare systems, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the risk of pro-UK militancy. The objective is to educate and stimulate dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there is still lacking a debate," stated the writer. "Debate suggests an acknowledgement of the idea that there might be reasonable perspectives on each side."

Parallel Votes

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters say they favour unification but refuse paying higher taxes or adopting a different emblem to reflect unionists' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin should determine what the plan from Irish nationalism is beyond just declaring: 'We want a unified Ireland and we love you'," stated the commentator.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a referendum in his era is probable and that it could happen suddenly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless secretary of state who states: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and unionists have reasonable, valid points, he stated. "Somebody will prevail on this issue and the other side will ultimately lose but all factions has got important lessons to gain from the alternative arguments."

Call for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster must join the dialogue, said the analyst. "This is about the United Kingdom. It is a UK matter as much as it is an Irish question."