Sinn Féin has launched a "manifesto for the future" which is based on the linked policy objectives of peace, equality, jobs and Irish unity.
In his address at the Opera House in Belfast, party president Gerry Adams emphasised the importance of political leadership.
Referring to the Hillsborough negotiations in February on the devolution of policing and justice powers, Mr Adams said: "This was a hugely important moment."
Citing the successful transfer of powers he added: "Sinn Féin did this by making the two governments and the DUP face up to their political responsibilities. As a result, policing and justice were transferred in April."
The manifesto outlines 87 manifesto aims and commitments listed under 11 subject headings ranging from health, education, regional development and agriculture to international affairs, equality and Irish unity.
On regional development, the manifesto addresses many policies on an all-Ireland basis, calling for greater investment in road and rail as well as west of the River Bann.
The party will press for a new white paper on agriculture, invest the equivalent of £400 million in rural communities and fishing, insist on all-island planning and "rural proof" all aspects of public policy.
Mr Adams said the two education systems in Ireland should be harmonised, there should be additional new schools, as well as the continuation of both free school meals and of education minister Caitriona Ruane's reform programme in the North.
He also called for specific programmes to address mental health issues, perinatal needs, obesity and suicide. The manifesto calls for more funds for children's cancer services and advocates new criteria for the payment of the winter fuel allowance.
On criminal justice, Mr Adams said Sinn Féin was setting the agenda on policing and would work to enhance the equality, transparency and quality of the criminal justice system.
Plastic bullets should be banned, the British agencies MI5 and the Serious Organised Crime Agency should leave Northern Ireland, and the Public Prosecution Service should be reformed, the manifesto says.
It also calls for an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane and the holding of all investigations under the PSNI rather than British agencies.
Mr Adams called for "an independent, international comprehensive truth recovery process" to examine the history of the conflict.
The manifesto has a significant section on the need for an Irish Language Act in the North and a range of supports throughout Ireland for the renewal of the language.
The party president said Sinn Féin would continue to offer assistance to those involved in other peace processes throughout the world particularly in the Middle East and the Basque Country. The manifesto contains a specific demand for the ending of the Cuban blockade and a halt to the building of a separation wall by Israel and an end to settlements in the West Bank.
Mr Adams demanded a Bill of Rights for the North and an all-Ireland charter of rights as referred to in the Belfast Agreement.
The manifesto outlines a series of legislative proposals to clamp down on discrimination.
It also claims that "Ireland cannot afford partition" and it refers to 22 proposals under the headings of a stronger economy, a better quality of life and Irish unity. He said the British government should amend its policy from one of upholding the union to one of becoming a "persuader for Irish unity".
In answer to a question about Sinn Féin's policy of abstention at Westminster, Mr Adams said there was a lessening of "connectiveness" between the Northern electorate and the House of Commons.
"Whoever is there doesn't government in our interests, that's a fact," he said.
"We need to build up a united front which will face the next British government particular on this issue of [public spending] cuts. We need to be opposing that in a thoughtful and strategic way and in a united way with all of the parties coming together under the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister and facing down the next British government."
MAIN POINTS
1. Combined opposition with other parties to British public spending cuts in Northern Ireland
2. Pushing the British government to become "persuaders for Irish unity"
3. To transfer fiscal and tax-raising powers from London.
4. The removal of MI5 and the Serious Organised Crime Agency and the banning of plastic bullets.
5. All-island planning on agriculture, infrastructure and transport.
6. Harmonising the education systems North and South and continuing reforms in the North.
7. Demand an Irish language act and range of supports for renewal of the language
8. Establish an international truth recovery process independent of the British government