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A decade after the UK stumbled into a rushed referendum that split the country and caused turmoil, a caution comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Policymakers and citizens entered unwittingly Brexit and the same might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, triggering upheavals for which nobody is equipped.

That is the message from two prominent writers from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Ill-Equipped

Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a possibly tense and transformative referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction rapidly," O’Toole stated. "In my opinion that the political architecture of our islands remains extremely volatile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The team have examined the governmental, economic and societal arguments for any constitutional change in a publication, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to provoke discussion on the topic with a series of public talks that will bring them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts everyone, or must worry every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," said the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a yes-no, vague proposition whose results have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily divided society where people who have lost are resistant to losing and the victorious side are uncertain precisely what it is that they have achieved."

Governmental Mandate

Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland official is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unification if it is indicated that a most voters would approve.

Nationalist parties and other pro-unification groups say this point is approaching, and a group called pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but both governments and pro-UK factions downplay the prospect, leaving it unclear whether or when there could be a referendum.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Ideological statements for and against unification has obscured the lack of substantive discussion, stated the journalist.

"Many are supportive or opposed the idea but the actual thinking which could extend past that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has occurred in scholarly circles but hardly any elected officials or campaigners seek to involve themselves even with the fundamentals. As an example, which kind of country might be preferred? Centralised? Decentralised?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, no writer supports unification or the status quo. Each writes two pieces that strive for impartiality in presenting the rationale for a united Ireland and the case against, gathering financial and social figures, historical precedents and constitutional models.

Debates cover identity markers, levies, healthcare systems, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to inform and encourage discussion.

"There is significant curiosity in the subject but there is still lacking a discussion," said O’Toole. "Debate suggests an recognition of the concept that there could be valid points on both sides."

Parallel Votes

A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens report they prefer unification but refuse greater financial contributions or adopting a alternative symbol to acknowledge unionists' British identity.

"Authorities in Dublin does need to determine what the proposal from pro-unification movements is beyond just declaring: 'We seek a unified Ireland and we love you'," said the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

The journalist thinks a national vote in his generation is probable and that it could happen abruptly. "You could have just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a negligent secretary of state who says: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'"

Each of the nationalists and unionists have credible, justified points, he said. "One side will win in this matter and somebody will ultimately be defeated but each side has got something to gain from the opposing positions."

Appeal for More Extensive Discussion

Westminster needed to engage with the dialogue, stated the analyst. "This concerns Britain. It's a British question equally as it is an Irish issue."