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Ten years after the UK entered into a rushed public vote that split the country and triggered chaos, a caution is issued from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

Authorities and electorate entered unwittingly Brexit and the same could occur with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking upheavals for which nobody is ready.

That represents the warning from two prominent journalists from either side of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to form a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully ill-prepared for a potentially tense and seismic public vote.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator remarked. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our islands remains very unstable."

Released Volume Aims to Provoke Discussion

The duo have studied the political, economic and societal reasons for any governmental shift in a volume, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the issue with a series of speaking events that will take them to Westminster soon.

"What troubles all parties, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," stated the analyst.

"We do not want a national vote on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you land with an extremely split population where the losing side are resistant to losing and the those successful are uncertain precisely what it is that they have gained."

Legal Framework

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister must arrange a public vote on Irish unification if it appears likely that a majority would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say that moment is looming, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions play down the possibility, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there could be a referendum.

Insufficient Informed Dialogue

Partisan language for and against unification has hidden the shortage of serious debate, noted the journalist.

"Many are for or against the idea but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to realise it is mostly absent. Much has taken place in academia but hardly any elected officials or campaigners are willing to participate even with the essentials. For instance, which kind of country should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Book's Approach

In the volume, none of the commentators supports unification or the current situation. Each authors two essays that aim for neutrality in presenting the rationale for a unified Ireland and the case against, gathering financial and social data, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Debates range over identity markers, levies, health services, pensions, public liabilities and the threat of loyalist violence. The objective is to educate and stimulate dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there has not yet occurred a debate," stated the writer. "Discussion indicates an acknowledgement of the notion that there may exist reasonable perspectives on each side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where citizens say they support unification but refuse increased taxation or implementing a alternative symbol to acknowledge unionists' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin must determine what the offer from Irish nationalism is aside from just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride believes a referendum in his era is likely and that it could happen suddenly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a poor or a incompetent government minister who declares: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have credible, justified arguments, he said. "Somebody will win in this matter and the other side will eventually be defeated but each side has has something to gain from the alternative viewpoints."

Request for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster needed to participate in the dialogue, said the analyst. "This is about Britain. It's a British question just as much as it is an Irish issue."