THE Progressive Democratic leader, Ms Mary Hamey told the conference that the elected forum in the North could be a vehicle for reconciliation, similar to the Dublin Forum for Peace and Reconciliation.
While the SDLP and Sinn Fein have been dismissive of the elected body, Ms Harney said it could play a "powerful role" in assisting the reconciliation process. There is a role for people who are elected, and surely it can be a place where unionists and nationalists can get together."
She told delegates that there could not be an internal settlement in Northern Ireland, and again called on the IRA to restore its ceasefire.
As leader of the PDs, a sister party to Alliance, Ms Harney was a special guest of the conference. Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and Democratic Left were among the parties which were also represented as guests.