SINN Féin assembly member Gerry Kelly has claimed the countdown to a united Ireland has begun.
Speaking at an Easter Rising commemoration in Carrickmore, Co Tyrone, Mr Kelly said events of 1916 had a global effect which inspired many successful national liberation struggles around the world during the last 100 years.
"It lit a fire which is still burning bright in the hearts of all Irish republicans as we move ever closer to achieving a united Ireland," he said.
"Across Ireland now Sinn Féin are stronger than we have ever been in our history. Irish politics is undergoing its biggest shake-up since partition. We are at the core of that change."
Sinn Féin's goal as Irish republicans, Mr Kelly said, was an Irish unity that was inclusive, "that unionists will feel welcome in, that they are a part of".
"There is much work to do. But we believe that we are in the countdown to a united Ireland. We believe that together we can make huge progress and truly transform society on this island forever," he added.
