An MLA who was previously a senior figure in the Alliance Party has opened the door to a discussion on a united Ireland.
Trevor Lunn, who now sits as an independent at Stormont, has called on the Irish government to stop tiptoeing around unionism, take the initiative and lay out Ireland s unity stall.
Ireland should not wait until a Border poll is called when emotions may run high, according to Mr Lunn (74), formerly chair of Alliance and an MLA for the party for 13 years.
Mr Lunn, who describes himself as a slightly unionist leaning politician , believes there is a growing body of people in Northern Ireland prepared to discuss new possibilities. They need information now to help them reach a considered decision on where their best interests lie, he urges.