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Ten years after the UK embarked on a hasty referendum that polarised the country and unleashed turmoil, a warning is issued from across the Irish Sea: it could happen again.

The government and voters drifted into Brexit and the similar might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking upheavals for which no one is equipped.

That represents the warning from two respected writers from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to scrutinise the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a new state with the Republic of Ireland.

Administrative Structures Not Ready

The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are extremely unready for a potentially fraught and monumental public vote.

"The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gain traction very quickly," the commentator said. "I would suggest that the institutional structure of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

Released Volume Intends to Provoke Discussion

The team have analysed the political, economic and cultural reasons for any governmental shift in a book, Examining Irish Unification, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They seek to provoke discussion on the matter with a roadshow of lectures that will take them to Westminster early next month.

"What haunts all parties, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit vote of 2016," said the analyst.

"We should prevent a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, ambiguous question whose implications have remained undefined because then you end up with an extremely divided society where people who have lost are not reconciled to defeat and the victorious side don't know quite what it is that they have achieved."

Constitutional Provision

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

Sinn Féin and other nationalists say this point is imminent, and a non-profit named pro-unification advocates has rallied support, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the prospect, making it uncertain when or if there could be a national vote.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has obscured the absence of serious debate, stated the journalist.

"Individuals are often for or against the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to realise it hasn't for the most part happened. A lot has occurred in universities but scarcely any government figures or campaigners are willing to participate with even the basics. As an example, what type of nation might be preferred? Unitary? Federal?"

Volume's Strategy

In the book, neither author advocates unity or the current situation. They composes two essays that seek objectivity in presenting the case for a united Ireland and the case opposing it, assembling financial and social figures, historical precedents and constitutional models.

Debates cover national emblems, taxes, healthcare systems, elderly benefits, national debt responsibilities and the danger of loyalist violence. The objective is to educate and stimulate dialogue.

"There is significant curiosity in the issue but there is still lacking a discussion," commented the writer. "Discussion suggests an acknowledgement of the concept that there could be reasonable perspectives on both sides."

Dual Referendums

A referendum in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where citizens claim they favour unity but oppose greater financial contributions or implementing a new flag to acknowledge pro-UK communities' British identity.

"Policymakers in Ireland must determine what the plan from pro-unification movements is beyond just saying: 'We desire a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Likelihood of Public Vote

McBride thinks a referendum in his lifetime is probable and that it might occur abruptly. "It is possible just a mad or a poor or a incompetent secretary of state who declares: 'Let us proceed and resolve it.'"

Both nationalists and unionists have plausible, valid arguments, he stated. "Somebody will prevail in this matter and somebody will ultimately not succeed but all factions has got valuable insights to learn from the other's viewpoints."

Request for More Extensive Dialogue

Westminster needed to engage with the debate, said the analyst. "This involves your state. It is a British issue equally as it is an Irish issue."