🔗 Share this article Irish Unification Referendum Should Not Become 'A Sequel to Brexit', Commentators Alert Ten years after the UK entered into a hasty referendum that polarised the nation and unleashed chaos, a caution emerges from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again. Authorities and citizens entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar could occur with a referendum on a unified Ireland, triggering convulsions for which no one is ready. That represents the warning from two prominent writers from either side of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland exiting the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland. Governmental Establishments Ill-Equipped The author and columnist and Sam McBride, have determined that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a potentially fraught and monumental public vote. "The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can emerge unexpectedly and can gather momentum swiftly," O’Toole remarked. "It is my view that the political architecture of our region remains very unstable." Released Volume Aims to Encourage Dialogue The duo have examined the political, economic and cultural reasons for any structural alteration in a book, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy. They hope to provoke discussion on the topic with a roadshow of lectures that will take them to Westminster early next month. "What troubles everyone, or should haunt every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," stated the analyst. "We do not want a referendum on a yes-no, vague proposition whose results have not been spelled out because then you find yourself with an highly polarised community where people who have lost are not reconciled to losing and the people who have won lack clarity quite what it is that they have gained." Constitutional Provision Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland secretary of state is obliged to schedule a referendum on Irish unity if it appears likely that a majority would vote in favour. Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups argue such a time is looming, and a non-profit named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the prospect, resulting in ambiguity whether or when there could be a referendum. Absence of Informed Dialogue Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unity has hidden the lack of serious debate, stated McBride. "Individuals are often for or against the concept but the actual thinking which may surpass that to realise it has largely not occurred. A great deal has gone on in universities but scarcely any elected officials or advocates want to engage even with the fundamentals. To illustrate, which kind of country should be desired? Unitary? Decentralised?" Volume's Strategy In the volume, neither author supports unification or the status quo. Each authors two pieces that aim for objectivity in detailing the argument for a unified Ireland and the rationale against, gathering economic and societal figures, past examples and constitutional models. Debates cover national emblems, taxes, medical care, elderly benefits, sovereign debt obligations and the threat of loyalist violence. The objective is to inform and encourage conversation. "There's huge interest in the issue but there has not yet occurred a discussion," stated the writer. "Debate implies an acknowledgement of the concept that there could be reasonable perspectives on both sides." Simultaneous Plebiscites A public vote in Northern Ireland would also trigger one in the republic, where citizens report they prefer unity but reject greater financial contributions or implementing a alternative symbol to acknowledge pro-UK communities' UK heritage. "Authorities in Dublin should work out what the plan from Irish nationalism is beyond just saying: 'We want a unified Ireland and we love you'," said the commentator. Likelihood of Referendum The journalist believes a national vote in his lifetime is possible and that it could happen suddenly. "You could have just a mad or a bad or a incompetent secretary of state who declares: 'Let's just do this and resolve it.'" Both nationalists and pro-UK supporters have plausible, legitimate arguments, he said. "Somebody will succeed in this matter and somebody will in the end be defeated but each side has has something to learn from the other's arguments." Request for More Extensive Discussion Westminster must join the debate, urged O’Toole. "This concerns Britain. It is a UK matter as much as it is an Irish question."