🔗 Share this article A United Ireland Referendum Should Not Turn Into 'A Repeat of Brexit', Experts Alert Ten years after the UK embarked on a rushed referendum that split the country and triggered disorder, a warning is issued from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat. The government and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the similar may happen with a referendum on a united Ireland, initiating convulsions for which no one is prepared. That represents the warning from two respected journalists from either side of the Irish border who have collaborated to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a new state with the Republic of Ireland. Governmental Structures Unprepared The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are woefully unready for a potentially tense and seismic referendum. "The crucial insight of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that events can emerge unexpectedly and can build support rapidly," the commentator remarked. "I would suggest that the political architecture of our islands remains extremely volatile." New Title Aims to Provoke Discussion The duo have examined the governmental, economic and cultural rationales for any governmental shift in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy. They seek to encourage dialogue on the matter with a series of speaking events that will take them to Westminster soon. "What concerns all parties, or should haunt everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," said O’Toole. "We must avoid a referendum on a binary, ambiguous question whose results have remained undefined because then you end up with an highly polarised community where those defeated are resistant to losing and the those successful lack clarity quite what it is that they have won." Legal Framework Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland official must arrange a referendum on Irish unification if it appears likely that a majority would approve. Sinn Féin and other nationalists say this point is imminent, and a non-profit named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the possibility, leaving it unclear if and when there will be a national vote. Lack of Informed Dialogue Partisan language for and against unification has masked the absence of informed dialogue, said McBride. "Many are for or against the notion but the actual thinking which may surpass that to realise it has largely not occurred. A lot has gone on in universities but hardly any politicians or campaigners are willing to participate with even the fundamentals. For instance, what type of nation should be desired? Centralised? Federal?" Publication's Method In the book, neither author endorses unity or the existing arrangement. Each writes two articles that strive for neutrality in detailing the case for a united Ireland and the rationale opposing it, gathering financial and social data, historical precedents and governmental frameworks. Discussions range over identity markers, duties, medical care, retirement funds, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of unionist unrest. The goal is to inform and provoke discussion. "There's huge interest in the subject but there is still lacking a debate," stated the writer. "Debate implies an acknowledgement of the idea that there might be reasonable perspectives on either side." Simultaneous Plebiscites A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate report they favour unity but refuse paying higher taxes or adopting a new flag to recognise unionists' British culture. "Authorities in Dublin should establish what the proposal from Irish nationalism is aside from just stating: 'We desire a united Ireland and we value you'," stated the commentator. Likelihood of Public Vote McBride considers a national vote in his generation is probable and that it might occur unexpectedly. "It is possible just a irresponsible or a poor or a incompetent official who states: 'Let us proceed and settle the matter.'" Each of the pro-unification advocates and unionists have plausible, valid points, he stated. "Somebody will prevail on this issue and somebody will in the end be defeated but both parties has got important lessons to learn from the other's positions." Appeal for Wider Debate Westminster must engage with the discussion, said the analyst. "This concerns your state. It's a British issue as much as it is an Irish question."