No one political party “owns the conversation on Irish unity”, Simon Harris has said.
The Fine Gael leader said that included his own party, saying all should be involved.
He was speaking after announcing at the weekend that Fine Gael will develop a “blueprint for a unified island” by November.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin is set to introduce legislation in the Dáil pressing the Government to actively prepare for unity across the island.
Speaking to media in Dublin on Monday morning, Harris emphasised that engaging and “listening respectfully” is the best way forward.
“If and when our island is unified, this has to be a home for everybody, for people of all traditions,” he said.
Harris said the Irish flag includes orange for “a very specific reason”.
“We have two traditions on this island, and we have to have a conversation that is respectful and inclusive,” he said.
He also said that moving towards Irish unity should be about more than just consent as set out in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
“It’s about this being an exciting journey that people want to be on, and it’s about being honest with people, what are the costs, what would look different in relation to public services, what are the benefits,” he said.
“That’s the conversation we should all have and no one political party, including my own, owns that conversation, we should all be involved in it.”
