🔗 Share this article Irish Unification Referendum Should Not Turn Into 'A Sequel to Brexit', Experts Caution A decade following the UK stumbled into a hurried public vote that polarised the country and triggered disorder, a warning comes from beyond the Irish Sea: it might repeat. Policymakers and electorate drifted into Brexit and the similar might transpire with a national vote on a united Ireland, triggering convulsions for which nobody is ready. That is the message from two prominent journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have collaborated to examine the advantages and disadvantages of Northern Ireland departing the UK to form a different country with the Republic of Ireland. Administrative Institutions Ill-Equipped Fintan O’Toole and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the political establishments in Ireland and Britain are gravely ill-prepared for a possibly tense and transformative referendum. "The lesson of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that events can come out of the blue and can build support rapidly," O’Toole remarked. "I would suggest that the governmental framework of our region remains highly fragile." New Title Seeks to Stir Debate The duo have analysed the governmental, financial and societal rationales for any constitutional change in a book, The Case For and Against Unification, issued by the Irish Royal Irish Academy. They aim to provoke discussion on the topic with a roadshow of lectures that will lead them to Westminster soon. "What haunts all parties, or should haunt all involved, is the Brexit vote of 2016," commented O’Toole. "We must avoid a national vote on a yes-no, ambiguous question whose implications have not been spelled out because then you land with an highly split population where those defeated are not reconciled to defeat and the those successful don't know quite what it is that they have gained." Legal Framework Under the Good Friday agreement, the Northern Ireland government minister should call a referendum on Irish unification if it appears likely that a most voters would approve. Nationalist parties and other nationalists argue this point is looming, and a group called pro-unification advocates has garnered backing, but authorities in Dublin and London and unionists downplay the prospect, making it uncertain whether or when there could be a referendum. Lack of Serious Debate Partisan language for and against unification has masked the lack of informed dialogue, said the journalist. "Many are for or against the idea but the detailed consideration which may surpass that to achieve it hasn't for the most part happened. A great deal has gone on in scholarly circles but scarcely any elected officials or advocates are willing to participate with the fundamentals. To illustrate, which kind of country would you want? Unitary? Decentralised?" Volume's Strategy In the book, none of the commentators advocates unity or the status quo. Both writes two essays that strive for neutrality in detailing the rationale for a united Ireland and the case opposing it, assembling economic and societal data, past examples and structural examples. Debates range over flags and symbols, duties, healthcare systems, pensions, national debt responsibilities and the risk of loyalist violence. The aim is to educate and encourage dialogue. "There's huge interest in the subject but there is still lacking a dialogue," said O’Toole. "Dialogue implies an acknowledgement of the idea that there may exist valid points on either side." Dual Referendums A referendum in Northern Ireland would additionally cause one in the republic, where the electorate say they support unification but reject paying higher taxes or introducing a different emblem to recognise pro-UK communities' British identity. "Authorities in Dublin should determine what the plan from nationalist groups is aside from just declaring: 'We seek a united Ireland and we love you'," remarked O’Toole. Probability of Referendum McBride considers a national vote in his lifetime is likely and that it might occur suddenly. "You could have just a mad or a bad or a feckless government minister who says: 'Let us proceed and get it out of the way.'" Both pro-unification advocates and pro-UK supporters have credible, legitimate points, he stated. "One side will succeed in this matter and the other side will eventually not succeed but each side has got something to acquire from the other's arguments." Call for Wider Debate Westminster should join the discussion, said O’Toole. "This is about Britain. It is a UK matter as much as it is an Irish matter."