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Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says she wants “partnership” with unionists in helping her party achieve its goal of a united Ireland.
Speaking at an Easter Rising commemoration in Belfast on Sunday, Ms McDonald insisted people from a unionist tradition must have an “equal part” in building what she described as “the new Ireland”.
Addressing a large crowd of republicans that gathered in Milltown Cemetery for the first time in three years, Ms McDonald urged unionists to “walk this journey with us”.
“To those of a unionist tradition I say sincerely, we seek partnership with you,” she added.
“A future of equality and freedom belongs to you. A future of progress and change belongs to you. A future of prosperity and opportunity belongs to you.
“It is not for anybody to invite you in; that future is already yours. It is about you, it is of you, it is for you.
“British government after British government has disrespected and failed you, time and again.
“Imagine instead the liberating possibility of full freedom to make all decisions here, in a parliament here, for the people who live here… Walk this journey with us. This is the decade of opportunity where we have the freedom to determine our future. There is so much to gain.”
She described the forthcoming Assembly election as the “most important in a generation”.
Successive opinion polls have put Sinn Féin on course to be the largest political party following the May 5th election, something that would be followed by Michelle O’Neill becoming the first Nationalist to head up the North’s government.
The DUP has refused to confirm if it will take the position of Deputy First Minister - it is a joint office - and can therefore block the formation of a new Executive.
Ms McDonald told crowds that “the people will decide this election”.
“They will decide who occupies the office of First Minister. There is not an office in this land that is off-limits or the sole preserve of one group. Those days are gone and good riddance.
“Democracy must prevail on terms set by the people, not by the DUP or by anyone else.”
Her comments come amid DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s repeated claims that a Sinn Féin election victory will hasten a referendum on Irish unity.
Mr Donaldson has called on unionists to unite and transfer their votes to other “pro-union” candidates.
“Make no mistake, if Sinn Féin win this election, their plan for a divisive border poll will be advanced,” he said on Friday.
“I want to see pro-union voters working together to ensure more unionists are elected. If unionists want to see more unionist seats in the Assembly, then they need to vote for it.”
During her speech on Sunday, Ms McDonald also called on the Irish government to set up a Citizens’ Assembly to discuss constitutional change in an “orderly, peaceful and democratic way”.
“There is an onus on the Irish government to urgently establish a Citizens’ Assembly to discuss, debate and plan for the immense possibilities the future holds,” she added.