VETERAN Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has joined civic nationalist group Ireland's Future.
The independent assembly member, who left Alliance last year over what was described as "internal differences", will sit on Ireland's Future's research and publications group.
A former mayor of Lisburn, the 74-year-old came from what he describes as a "solid unionist background" but believes the political landscape is transforming rapidly.
"My father was an Orangeman and traditionally I would have regarded myself as a soft unionist," he told The Irish News.
"But your attitude can change and I want to be involved in the conversation about constitutional change, because it's happening across the island."
Mr Lunn, who now terms himself an "agnostic" on the constitutional question, urged "unionists and people of all hues" to join the discussions.
"I think the best thing that can happen and the best way forward is for all people to contribute to the conversation, because I'm not sure the English want Northern
Ireland any more and with the prospect of Scottish independence, it's important that we are prepared for change," he said.
"Unionists' attitude of saying 'never' all the time and engaging in boycotts gets us nowhere."
Ireland's Future chief executive Gerry Carlile said Mr Lunn's decision to join the group was a "very welcome development".
"It is indicative of how the conversation on a new Ireland is growing across all sections of the community and right into the four corners of this island," he said.
"As we progress and advance towards a referendum there will be many other views and opinions to be heard – the best way to hear all voices is for the government in Dublin to establish an all island citizens’ assembly."
