Republicans must begin discussions aimed at bringing about a united Ireland with unionists and other political opponents, Sinn Féin national chairman Mr Mitchel McLaughlin said today.
He also told a gathering of the party's elected representatives that gains made in the Westminster and local government elections last year would be maintained in the General Election to be held in the Republic this year.
The Foyle MLA told the conference in West Belfast that as Sinn Féin's electoral strength grew on both sides of the border they should now use it to bring about a united Ireland which could accommodate the concerns of unionists.
"Given our increased political strength our party must take the responsibility for advancing a type of united Ireland that can accommodate all," Mr McLaughlin said.
"We will have to begin discussions which will bring that about, engaging with our political opponents - unionist, nationalist and others.
"Coming from a strong constituency of nationalism and republicanism, one that is getting stronger, we need to address the fears of those concerned about constitutional change in the future," Mr McLaughlin continued.
He said the issue of a united Ireland was now, "the core outstanding, political debate" in Ireland, north and south.
Mr McLaughlin also told the 100 people gathered for the conference that the gains made by the party in last year's Westminster and local government elections would be built upon, with the party expecting to make further breakthroughs in this year's upcoming General Election in the Republic.
He welcomed the granting of House of Commons facilities to the party, claiming the platform given to the party at Westminster could be "as significant and successful as the opening of Sinn Féin's north American office".
He also held out the prospect of a breakthrough in the party's battle to have MLAs and MPs participating in the political system of the Republic of Ireland.
"I have put the party on notice that we expect to achieve progress on Northern representation in the Southern political system," he confirmed.
PA