🔗 Share this article Irish Unification Referendum Cannot Turn Into 'Another Brexit', Commentators Caution A decade following the UK entered into a rushed public vote that split the nation and unleashed chaos, a advisory comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it could happen again. Authorities and voters sleepwalked into Brexit and the similar could occur with a national vote on a unified Ireland, initiating convulsions for which nobody is equipped. That is the message from two prominent commentators from each side of the Irish border who have joined forces to examine the benefits and drawbacks of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland. Political Institutions Unprepared Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have found that the administrative systems in Ireland and Britain are gravely unready for a potentially contentious and seismic public vote. "The key takeaway of Brexit hasn't been learned, which is that developments can come out of the blue and can build support very quickly," the commentator stated. "I would suggest that the political architecture of our archipelago remains very unstable." Book Publication Seeks to Provoke Discussion The pair have studied the governmental, economic and cultural reasons for any constitutional change in a volume, For and Against a United Ireland, issued by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy. They aim to provoke discussion on the matter with a roadshow of public talks that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks. "What haunts everyone, or ought to concern everybody, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," commented O’Toole. "We should prevent a referendum on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose consequences have remained undefined because then you end up with an extremely divided society where those defeated are unable to accept losing and the those successful are uncertain exactly what it is that they have gained." Constitutional Provision Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a referendum on Irish unity if it is indicated that a majority would approve. Nationalist parties and other nationalists say such a time is approaching, and a non-profit named Ireland’s Future has built momentum, but both governments and unionists play down the prospect, resulting in ambiguity when or if there might be a national vote. Absence of Substantive Discussion Political rhetoric supporting and opposing unification has hidden the lack of informed dialogue, said McBride. "Many are supportive or opposed the notion but the actual thinking which may surpass that to achieve it is mostly absent. A great deal has taken place in universities but very few politicians or activists are willing to participate with the essentials. As an example, what sort of state should be desired? Centralised? Federal?" Publication's Method In the volume, no writer endorses unification or the existing arrangement. Both authors two articles that seek neutrality in laying out the case for a united Ireland and the case opposing it, marshalling financial and social data, historical precedents and governmental frameworks. Arguments encompass national emblems, duties, healthcare systems, pensions, sovereign debt obligations and the danger of pro-UK militancy. The aim is to educate and encourage discussion. "There's huge interest in the topic but there is still lacking a debate," said the writer. "Dialogue suggests an acknowledgement of the notion that there could be reasonable perspectives on both sides." Simultaneous Plebiscites A public vote in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the Republic of Ireland, where the electorate report they prefer unification but refuse paying higher taxes or introducing a new flag to recognise pro-UK communities' British culture. "The Irish government should establish what the proposal from Irish nationalism is beyond just declaring: 'We want a united Ireland and we value you'," stated O’Toole. Possibility of Referendum McBride thinks a referendum in his lifetime is probable and that it could happen abruptly. "You could have just a mad or a poor or a incompetent government minister who declares: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'" Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, justified perspectives, he commented. "One side will prevail here and somebody will ultimately not succeed but both parties has has something to gain from the other's viewpoints." Appeal for More Extensive Debate Westminster needed to engage with the discussion, urged O’Toole. "This is about the United Kingdom. It is a UK matter just as much as it is an Irish issue."