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Ten years after the UK embarked on a hurried public vote that split the nation and triggered turmoil, a caution emerges from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Authorities and voters entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar may happen with a referendum on a united Ireland, triggering disturbances for which nobody is prepared.

That is the message from two prominent writers from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are woefully unprepared for a possibly tense and seismic public vote.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can build support very quickly," the commentator said. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our region remains very unstable."

Released Volume Intends to Stir Debate

The team have examined the governmental, economic and cultural arguments for any constitutional change in a volume, For and Against a United Ireland, published by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to provoke discussion on the matter with a roadshow of public talks that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What haunts all parties, or must worry all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented the analyst.

"We should prevent a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, unclear proposal whose implications have not been spelled out because then you end up with an highly polarised community where those defeated are resistant to losing and the people who have won lack clarity quite what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue that moment is looming, and a organisation called Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions downplay the prospect, making it uncertain when or if there will be a national vote.

Insufficient Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements supporting and opposing unity has hidden the absence of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"Many are for or against the idea but the actual thinking which might go beyond that to realise it has largely not occurred. A great deal has occurred in scholarly circles but scarcely any politicians or campaigners want to engage with even the fundamentals. As an example, which kind of country should be desired? Unitary? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the volume, neither author supports unity or the existing arrangement. Both authors two essays that strive for neutrality in presenting the argument for a united Ireland and the argument against, assembling economic and societal data, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Debates cover identity markers, duties, health services, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the risk of loyalist violence. The aim is to enlighten and encourage conversation.

"Considerable attention exists in the issue but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," said O’Toole. "Discussion implies an acknowledgement of the concept that there might be reasonable perspectives on each side."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters report they support unification but refuse increased taxation or introducing a new flag to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin should determine what the proposal from Irish nationalism is aside from just declaring: 'We want a united Ireland and we love you'," said the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a referendum in his era is possible and that it might occur suddenly. "It is possible just a reckless or a bad or a feckless government minister who states: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate perspectives, he stated. "Somebody will win on this issue and the other side will ultimately be defeated but all factions has has something to learn from the opposing positions."

Request for Broader Debate

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