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Ten years after the UK embarked on a rushed referendum that divided the country and triggered turmoil, a caution comes from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

The government and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the same may happen with a national vote on a unified Ireland, triggering disturbances for which nobody is ready.

That represents the warning from two leading writers from both sides of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Political Establishments Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially tense and monumental referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can come out of the blue and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator said. "It is my view that the political architecture of our islands remains very unstable."

New Title Intends to Stir Debate

The team have analysed the governmental, economic and cultural reasons for any structural alteration in a book, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to provoke discussion on the matter with a tour of lectures that will lead them to Westminster soon.

"What concerns all parties, or must worry every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a binary, ambiguous question whose implications have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily divided society where people who have lost are unable to accept defeat and the those successful don't know exactly what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland official is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say this point is approaching, and a group called Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions minimise the possibility, making it uncertain if and when there might be a national vote.

Absence of Serious Debate

Partisan language for and against unification has hidden the absence of serious debate, said the journalist.

"Individuals are often supportive or opposed the concept but the concrete planning which may surpass that to make it possible has largely not occurred. Much has taken place in academia but scarcely any politicians or activists want to engage even with the fundamentals. For instance, which kind of country might be preferred? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the publication, neither author endorses unification or the current situation. Each writes two pieces that strive for impartiality in presenting the case for a unified Ireland and the argument opposing it, gathering economic and societal data, historical precedents and governmental frameworks.

Discussions cover national emblems, levies, health services, retirement funds, public liabilities and the threat of unionist unrest. The goal is to enlighten and provoke conversation.

"There's huge interest in the issue but there is still lacking a dialogue," stated the writer. "Debate suggests an acceptance of the idea that there might be valid points on each side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate say they support unity but reject increased taxation or introducing a alternative symbol to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Policymakers in Ireland does need to work out what the plan from pro-unification movements is aside from just declaring: 'We desire a united Ireland and we love you'," said O’Toole.

Likelihood of Referendum

The journalist believes a referendum in his lifetime is likely and that it could happen unexpectedly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a poor or a negligent government minister who says: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, valid perspectives, he said. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and the other side will eventually lose but all factions has got important lessons to learn from the other's viewpoints."

Request for Broader Discussion

Westminster needed to engage with the discussion, stated O’Toole. "This concerns your state. It is a British question equally as it is an Irish question."