NATIONALISTS and republicans need to adopt a new approach to convince unionists of the merits of uniting Ireland, Gerry Adams has said.
Addressing a Sinn Féin conference on the constitutional question in Belfast, the party president predicted a successful vote to end partition could come within a "few short years".
However, he said that outcome would only be achieved if unionist opposition was "unlocked".
As discussions between the DUP and Sinn Féin continue at Stormont ahead of next week's deadline to restore powersharing, Mr Adams said recent election results - in which both parties made gains - demonstrated that a "deep political schism" remained on unification.
He said republicans needed to advance more than just an economic case to end partition.
"We need a new approach, one which unlocks unionist opposition to a new Ireland by reminding them of their historic place here and of the positive contribution they have made to society on this island," Mr Adams said.
"Instead of concentrating on the negative aspects of our four centuries of shared history I suggest that we embrace the areas of agreement and of co-operation; of good neighbourliness and the common good.
"A truly united Ireland will emerge from the reconciliation of the people of this island based on equality."
The veteran republican, who urged groups such as the Orange Order to engage with Sinn Féin, called on republicans to reflect on the contribution Protestants had made in Ireland for centuries.
"The reality is that in the 400 years of their presence on this island Protestants and especially northern Protestants, have been woven into the narrative that constitutes the history of Ireland," he said.
"While that narrative has been at times a troubled one it has also been dynamic."
"The Brexit referendum vote last year, the Assembly results in March, the Westminster election results this month and the census conclusions from 2011, are evidence of a shifting demographic and political dynamic in northern politics. Within a few short years the potential for a vote to end partition and unite Ireland is a very real possibility."
