SINN Féin leader Gerry Adams said a united Ireland "may not be the one traditionally envisaged over the years".
Speaking at the launch of a Sinn Féin book, 'Uncomfortable Conversations', at Dublin’s Mansion House yesterday the Louth TD suggested a devolved Stormont could remain within a united Ireland.
"We need to be able to consider transitional arrangements which could mean continued devolution to Belfast within an all-island structure," he said.
Mr Adams also said Orange Order parades would continue in a united Ireland.
"Orange is one of our national colours," he said.
"There will be orange parades in a united Ireland."
Mr Adams went on to describe being “beaten stupid” and “spread-eagled for hours” after being arrested in the past.
He said he was beaten across the back and kidneys, before he collapsed and losing consciousness.
Mr Adams said he was later approached by a man at Stormont who told him: “I used to be a British soldier and I battered you when you were arrested, and I’m sorry.”
Mr Adams told the audience he replied: “Do you promise not to do it again?”
He added: “He went away happy and I went away thinking I was a great guy.”
Also speaking at the launch, British ambassador Dominick Chilcott said the "great collective task" for political leaders and governments was to tackle legacy of the past.
"The road to this better future begins with giving the other side a fair hearing. This is not about trying to convert unionists into republicans or vice versa," he said. "But it is about restoring the humanity of the other side; developing, as it were, a sense of empathy with them."
Meanwhile, shadow chancellor John McDonnell apologised last night for saying in 2003 that IRA members should be "honoured".
The MP, appointed to the shadow cabinet by new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, said the comments had caused offence.
He apologised "from the bottom of my heart" and said he had been urging paramilitaries "put their weapons away".
Speaking on BBC Question Time, he said his remarks at the 2003 event to commemorate IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands had been wrong.
"And can I just say this, because this has been raised with me time and time again - I accept it was a mistake to use those words, but actually if it contributed towards saving one life, or preventing someone else being maimed it was worth doing, because we did hold on to the peace process," he said.
