Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams declared last night that Ireland would united within his lifetime.
At an event to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Sinn Féin Party, the West Belfast MP said the IRA's pledge to end all violence and disarm completely had transformed the political landscape.
But he urged republicans to work with unionists in order to achieve their goal.
Mr Adams said: "The type of Ireland we want to create involves the coming together of Orange and Green on the basis of equality and respect.
"Republicanism is about much more than re-uniting Ireland. Republicanism is about equality. There is now the wealth in this state to make that a reality."
The Sinn Féin leader insisted nationalists in Northern Ireland were no longer so-called second class citizens.
"Republicanism is stronger than at any time in recent memory," he claimed. "We are moving forward with confidence and I believe that if we work together we will see a united Ireland in our lifetime."
Mr Adams based his assessment on the impact of the Provisionals announcing in July that its armed struggle was over and decommissioning chief General John de Chastelain overseeing weapons destruction two months later.
"Even though the IRA initiative of formally ending its campaign and putting arms beyond use occurred only a few months ago already a debate has started within unionism," he said.
"This may take some time to play out but it is positive nonetheless.
"And in the 26 counties the other political parties are facing up to the reality that the political landscape is being transformed. The old political certainties are being challenged."
To achieve a united Ireland all strands of Irish nationalism, republicanism and the labour movement must come together, he stressed.
Mr Adams added: "Those of us who want to see an end to British rule and the establishment of the republic need to build new alliances, to devise and develop new strategies and shared positions and to drive forward the united Ireland agenda in the time ahead. "A key part of this must be a genuine engagement with the unionist community."
PA