SINN Fein assembly member Barry McElduff has claimed there is a "deliberate agenda" to "lower nationalist and republican expectations" of a united Ireland.
Responding to Nobel prize winner Mairead Corrigan Maguire's claim in yesterday's Irish News that there will never be a united Ireland, Mr McElduff insisted that unity was still "realistic".
"It is becoming ever more apparent of the emergence of a very deliberate agenda to lower nationalist and republican expectations when it comes to achieving a united Ireland," he said.
"This agenda has been readily facilitated by some sections of the media. They will not succeed."
Ms Corrigan Maguire, one of the founders of the Peace People, said republicans must accept that their goal of a united Ireland is unrealistic.
"It behoves us all to face the reality that there will not be a united Ireland," she said.
"Together, we can build a Northern Irish identity."
Mr McElduff said Ms Corrigan Maguire had "never espoused a united Ireland".
"There is no difference in her position now than that of 40 years ago when she had a public profile," he said.
However, he insisted there is a "strong appetite for a united Ireland" and said a Border Poll would settle the issue. "The clearest answer to Mairead Corrigan and others of similar views is, let the people have their say," he said.
"Whatever opinion people take in this debate let us have the discussion around these vital issues and then let us have a Border Poll which is provided for in the Good Friday Agreement."
* AGENDA: Sinn Fein assembly member Barry McElduff has responded to Mairead Corrigan Maguire's claim in yesterday's Irish News that there would never be a united Ireland