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Ten years after the UK entered into a hurried referendum that polarised the nation and caused disorder, a warning comes from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and electorate sleepwalked into Brexit and the identical might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, triggering convulsions for which no one is equipped.

That is the message from two prominent journalists from each side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to establish a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Establishments Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a possibly fraught and seismic referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that events can come out of the blue and can gather momentum rapidly," the commentator remarked. "I would suggest that the political architecture of our region remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Aims to Stir Debate

The team have examined the political, financial and societal reasons for any structural alteration in a publication, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to provoke discussion on the topic with a series of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What troubles everybody, or should haunt all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We do not want a national vote on a binary, unclear proposal whose results have not been spelled out because then you land with an extremely polarised community where people who have lost are unable to accept losing and the those successful don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the peace accord, the Northern Ireland government minister is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists claim that moment is looming, and a group named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and unionists minimise the prospect, leaving it unclear whether or when there could be a national vote.

Absence of Substantive Discussion

Political rhetoric for and against unity has obscured the absence of informed dialogue, said the journalist.

"Many are for or against the concept but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to realise it has largely not occurred. A lot has occurred in academia but scarcely any politicians or campaigners are willing to participate with even the essentials. For instance, what sort of state might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Publication's Method

In the book, none of the commentators endorses unification or the existing arrangement. Each writes two pieces that seek neutrality in detailing the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, marshalling economic and societal data, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Debates cover national emblems, levies, medical care, pensions, public liabilities and the risk of unionist unrest. The aim is to educate and stimulate conversation.

"There's huge interest in the topic but there has not yet occurred a dialogue," said the writer. "Discussion implies an acceptance of the notion that there could be reasonable perspectives on either side."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters report they favour unity but reject greater financial contributions or introducing a different emblem to recognise unionists' British identity.

"Policymakers in Ireland should work out what the plan from nationalist groups is other than just saying: 'We want a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Probability of Public Vote

McBride thinks a referendum in his generation is likely and that it might occur abruptly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a incompetent secretary of state who says: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, legitimate perspectives, he stated. "One side will succeed on this issue and somebody will eventually lose but both parties has got important lessons to learn from the opposing positions."

Request for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster should engage with the dialogue, said the analyst. "This involves Britain. It is a UK matter just as much as it is an Irish issue."