The former northern editor of RTÉ News has called for the "collective energy" of Ireland to deal with post-Brexit challenges while speaking at an event to commemorate the assassination of Micheal Collins.
Tommie Gorman was the keynote speaker at Sunday's event at Béal na mBláth in Co Cork to mark 101 years since the Easter Rising leader was shot dead.
Others to speak at the event included Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
In his address, Mr Gorman, who was RTÉ's northern editor from 2001 until his retirement in 2021, spoke of political challenges facing Ireland, including the relationship with the UK following Brexit, and the DUP's ongoing boycott of power-sharing at Stormont over the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The veteran journalist described Michael Collins as a "pragmatist" whose approach could be considered by modern political figures.
"Britain is adjusting to the consequences of Brexit as it begins a new phase outside the European Union and pursues a different relationship with it," Mr Gorman said.
Read more:
[ Retiring RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman believes border poll is 'inevitable'Opens in new window ]
"We too are adapting to the circumstances where the neighbouring island is no longer in the EU.
"It presents very practical challenges."
He continued: "At the time of the Good Friday Agreement, the British-Irish relationship at government level provided positive example and leadership.
"That relationship needs to continue inspiring the necessary reconciliation between unionism and nationalism.
"The latest stalemate at Stormont is caused by the consequences of Brexit, as they affect Northern Ireland.
"The last Assembly election was held fifteen months ago. In the time since, the DUP has not taken its seats, effectively preventing the formation of a government."
Mr Gorman added: "The DUP may now be mulling over staying away from Stormont until beyond its party conference in the autumn.
"Then the temptation might be to delay returning until beyond the British general election."
"But dysfunction has consequences. The DUP may decide a stalemate serves its short-term interests, maintaining a united party included.
"But sitting on the sidelines, runs the risk of becoming irrelevant.
"The unique trading relationship with the EU on offer to Northern Ireland is an opportunity, not a trap."
"On this island we have new challenges and our collective energy is required to deal with them."
Ahead of his retirement in 2021, Mr Gorman told RTÉ's The Late Late Show that he believed a border poll was "inevitable".
The Sligo native was replaced in the role of RTÉ News northern editor by former BBC NI reporter Vincent Kearney.
