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A decade after the UK stumbled into a hurried public vote that polarised the nation and triggered chaos, a advisory emerges from across the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

The government and citizens drifted into Brexit and the same may happen with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking disturbances for which nobody is equipped.

That is the message from two leading writers from either side of the Irish border who have teamed up to analyse the pros and cons of Northern Ireland leaving the UK to create a different country with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Institutions Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have concluded that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a possibly contentious and transformative referendum.

"The crucial insight of Brexit remains unheeded, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator said. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our islands remains very unstable."

New Title Seeks to Provoke Discussion

The pair have examined the political, financial and cultural reasons for any governmental shift in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, released by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They aim to stir debate on the issue with a roadshow of public talks that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What troubles everybody, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated O’Toole.

"We do not want a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose implications have not been spelled out because then you land with an highly divided society where the losing side are unable to accept defeat and the those successful don't know exactly what it is that they have gained."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official should call a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a most voters would vote in favour.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups claim that moment is looming, and a group named Ireland’s Future has garnered backing, but both governments and pro-UK factions play down the prospect, making it uncertain whether or when there could be a national vote.

Insufficient Serious Debate

Ideological statements for and against unity has hidden the shortage of substantive discussion, said McBride.

"People tend to be supportive or opposed the concept but the concrete planning which may surpass that to realise it has largely not occurred. A lot has gone on in scholarly circles but hardly any politicians or advocates seek to involve themselves with the essentials. To illustrate, what type of nation should be desired? Centralised? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, neither author supports unity or the existing arrangement. They authors two pieces that aim for neutrality in detailing the rationale for a unified Ireland and the argument opposing it, marshalling economic and social statistics, past examples and structural examples.

Debates encompass national emblems, levies, medical care, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the threat of unionist unrest. The aim is to educate and encourage dialogue.

"There's huge interest in the topic but there hasn't quite been a dialogue," said the writer. "Debate indicates an recognition of the concept that there might be reasonable perspectives on either side."

Simultaneous Plebiscites

A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where the electorate claim they prefer unity but reject greater financial contributions or introducing a alternative symbol to reflect pro-UK communities' British culture.

"Authorities in Dublin must work out what the proposal from pro-unification movements is beyond just stating: 'We want a unified Ireland and we welcome you'," stated O’Toole.

Possibility of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a referendum in his generation is possible and that it might occur suddenly. "It is possible just a mad or a poor or a negligent government minister who says: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'"

Each of the pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, valid arguments, he commented. "Somebody will succeed on this issue and the other side will in the end be defeated but each side has possesses valuable insights to learn from the opposing viewpoints."

Appeal for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster must join the dialogue, urged the analyst. "This concerns the United Kingdom. It is a British question equally as it is an Irish question."