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Ten years following the UK stumbled into a hurried referendum that divided the country and triggered turmoil, a caution is issued from beyond the Irish Sea: it may occur once more.

Policymakers and electorate drifted into Brexit and the same might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, initiating convulsions for which no one is prepared.

That conveys the caution from two prominent commentators from each side of the Irish border who have collaborated to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to establish a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Institutions Unprepared

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a possibly tense and monumental referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction rapidly," the commentator remarked. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains extremely volatile."

Released Volume Intends to Stir Debate

The duo have studied the political, financial and cultural reasons for any structural alteration in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the matter with a roadshow of lectures that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns everybody, or must worry everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a yes-no, vague proposition whose implications have not been clarified because then you find yourself with an extraordinarily polarised community where the losing side are resistant to defeat and the people who have won don't know precisely what it is that they have gained."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a public vote on Irish unification if it is indicated that a majority would support.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue that moment is approaching, and a group named pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and pro-UK factions downplay the likelihood, resulting in ambiguity when or if there might be a national vote.

Insufficient Substantive Discussion

Ideological statements for and against unity has masked the absence of substantive discussion, stated McBride.

"People tend to be for or against the concept but the detailed consideration which might go beyond that to realise it hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has taken place in scholarly circles but scarcely any elected officials or activists are willing to participate even with the essentials. As an example, which kind of country should be desired? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Publication's Method

In the book, none of the commentators endorses unification or the status quo. Both composes two essays that strive for objectivity in laying out the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, assembling economic and societal figures, past examples and governmental frameworks.

Discussions cover flags and symbols, levies, health services, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to enlighten and provoke conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the topic but there is still lacking a dialogue," commented the writer. "Dialogue implies an recognition of the idea that there could be reasonable perspectives on either side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where voters claim they favour unification but reject greater financial contributions or introducing a alternative symbol to recognise pro-UK communities' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin should work out what the plan from pro-unification movements is other than just declaring: 'We want a unified Ireland and we value you'," said the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride believes a referendum in his era is probable and that it might occur suddenly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a incompetent secretary of state who says: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have plausible, valid points, he stated. "One side will succeed on this issue and the other side will eventually not succeed but all factions has got important lessons to learn from the alternative viewpoints."

Call for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster must engage with the debate, said the analyst. "This involves Britain. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish question."