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A decade after the UK stumbled into a hasty public vote that polarised the nation and triggered chaos, a advisory comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

The government and electorate drifted into Brexit and the similar might transpire with a national vote on a unified Ireland, initiating upheavals for which nobody is equipped.

That represents the warning from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Establishments Unprepared

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have found that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a possibly fraught and transformative public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can gather momentum very quickly," the commentator said. "In my opinion that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains very unstable."

Released Volume Seeks to Encourage Dialogue

The team have examined the political, financial and societal arguments for any constitutional change in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to encourage dialogue on the issue with a series of public talks that will lead them to Westminster early next month.

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

"We do not want a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, ambiguous question whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extremely polarised community where those defeated are not reconciled to losing and the those successful are uncertain exactly what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland official should call a referendum on Irish unity if it seems probable that a most voters would approve.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue that moment is imminent, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions play down the prospect, leaving it unclear if and when there might be a referendum.

Absence of Serious Debate

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has obscured the shortage of informed dialogue, said McBride.

"Individuals are often for or against the concept but the actual thinking which may surpass that to realise it is mostly absent. A great deal has taken place in universities but very few elected officials or campaigners are willing to participate with even the essentials. As an example, what type of nation would you want? Centralised? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the volume, no writer endorses unity or the status quo. Both authors two pieces that seek neutrality in laying out the case for a united Ireland and the rationale opposing it, gathering economic and societal statistics, past examples and structural examples.

Debates cover identity markers, levies, health services, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The goal is to educate and provoke dialogue.

"Considerable attention exists in the topic but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," commented O’Toole. "Debate indicates an recognition of the idea that there might be valid points on either side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where citizens claim they prefer unity but oppose paying higher taxes or implementing a alternative symbol to recognise pro-UK communities' British identity.

"The Irish government must work out what the offer from Irish nationalism is aside from just declaring: 'We want a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

McBride believes a national vote in his lifetime is probable and that it may take place suddenly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a bad or a incompetent secretary of state who states: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have credible, valid arguments, he said. "One side will prevail in this matter and the other side will eventually not succeed but all factions has has valuable insights to acquire from the other's viewpoints."

Request for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster must participate in the discussion, said the analyst. "This involves Britain. It's a UK matter equally as it is an Irish matter."