Sinn Féin has intensified its campaign for a border poll with the launch of a 'Commission on the Future of Ireland'.
An inaugural people’s assembly, aimed at informing the commission's final report, will take place at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on October 12.
Chaired by South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney with Senator Lynn Boylan acting as deputy, the commission is expected to be in place for 18 months.
Described as an "ambitious public, sectoral and private consultation on the future of Ireland", the Ireland-wide initiative was agreed by the party's ard comhairle a year ago but delayed due to the pandemic.
Sinn Féin said the commission would accept submissions, hold both public and private engagements, and "actively seek contributions from all sections of society on this island and beyond".
Party leader Mary Lou McDonalds said she was "inviting everyone to be part of planning the future".
"This is an opportunity for citizens to have their say on the future of Ireland; our economy, our constitutional arrangements; political and democratic structures and governance; the role of the Irish government; the rights and equality agenda; the protection of minorities; future economic and public policy models and a future all-island public health service," she said.
"The commission will seek to engage with the protestant, loyalist, and unionist section of our people."
Mrs McDonald said the initiative was also an "opportunity for alternative proposals to be presented by those with different visions of Ireland".
"This can be done privately as well as through a series of people’s assemblies – these will be moderated by an independent chairperson," she said.
Women’s assemblies, youth assemblies and assemblies in Gaeltacht areas will also be convened.
