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A decade after the UK entered into a rushed referendum that split the country and triggered disorder, a caution is issued from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and voters drifted into Brexit and the same could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which no one is equipped.

That represents the warning from two leading journalists from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Institutions Ill-Equipped

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have concluded that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a possibly contentious and seismic public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can arise suddenly and can gain traction very quickly," the commentator stated. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our region remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Seeks to Encourage Dialogue

The team have examined the governmental, financial and cultural reasons for any governmental shift in a volume, Examining Irish Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to encourage dialogue on the matter with a roadshow of lectures that will bring them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

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

"We must avoid a referendum on a binary, unclear proposal whose implications have remained undefined because then you land with an extremely divided society where the losing side are unable to accept losing and the people who have won are uncertain quite what it is that they have won."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland secretary of state must arrange a referendum on Irish unification if it seems probable that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say that moment is approaching, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists minimise the possibility, leaving it unclear when or if there will be a national vote.

Absence of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language for and against unity has masked the shortage of substantive discussion, stated McBride.

"People tend to be for or against the notion but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to make it possible hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has occurred in universities but hardly any government figures or campaigners seek to involve themselves with the essentials. For instance, what type of nation would you want? Unitary? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the publication, no writer advocates unification or the status quo. Each authors two pieces that seek neutrality in presenting the case for a united Ireland and the rationale against, gathering financial and societal figures, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Arguments encompass national emblems, duties, medical care, elderly benefits, public liabilities and the risk of unionist unrest. The objective is to inform and provoke conversation.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there is still lacking a dialogue," commented the writer. "Debate implies an acceptance of the notion that there may exist valid points on each side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate claim they support unity but reject paying higher taxes or introducing a new flag to acknowledge unionists' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin should work out what the proposal from nationalist groups is other than just stating: 'We seek a united Ireland and we love you'," said O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist considers a national vote in his generation is probable and that it could happen abruptly. "You could have just a reckless or a poor or a feckless secretary of state who states: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, justified arguments, he stated. "One side will win on this issue and somebody will eventually not succeed but all factions has possesses valuable insights to acquire from the opposing arguments."

Request for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster must join the discussion, urged O’Toole. "This involves your state. It is a British question just as much as it is an Irish matter."