One of Stormont's longest-serving members has said he wants to kick-start a debate about British identity and how it can be accommodated in a united Ireland.
Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone believes a border poll is likely in the medium to long-term and that Irish unity is "inevitable".
But the veteran SDLP representative argues that "we don't repeat the mistakes of the past" and says those who identify as British should be accommodated in what he terms a "new Ireland".
He has outlined his thoughts on where the debate should focus in a platform published in The Irish News.
"The upheaval of Brexit has shown us that it's crucial to make preparations for constitutional change," Mr McGlone said.
"I believe that along with all the other discussions about what a new Ireland will look like, it's important to talk about the accommodation of British identity, as it's crucial we don't repeat the mistakes of the past."
Mr McGlone, who this year marks 20 years as an assembly member, said it was up to unionists to define what makes them British.
"It's not for me to define anybody's identity so I would encourage unionists to get involved in this debate to ensure their voice is listened to," he said.
"Having said that, it's important the conversation doesn't focus on what Britishness isn't – identity is based on what you are rather than what you are not. In my article I make an attempt to define Irishness as I see it and I'd welcome somebody's corresponding definition of Britishness."
The life-long Gaeilgeoir MLA said provisions for accommodating British identity could be either constitutional or legislative.
"How we accommodate our neighbours in a new Ireland will be important but initially we need to start a debate about how identity is defined," he said.
"I think unionists will be slow to come forward but it's a debate that must happen as I believe constitutional change is inevitable."
