Irish unification is an "ambition that still stands", President Mary McAleese told students in Belfast yesterday.
She said that unity "can only be brought about by your generation and provided for by the basis of the Good Friday agreement". Pupils from the Royal Belfast Academical Institution were questioning the President at a forum organised by the school's current affairs society.
She said that unity should be founded on democratic principles and ratified by a referendum.
Asked about her plans and the presidency, Mrs McAleese said she was disappointed that no one contested the presidency against her last year.
She said she had made no firm commitments as to what to do when her present term ends in 2012. The President's visit to Belfast began with an engagement at the Sports Council followed by appointments at the Arts Council, Royal Belfast Academical Institution and an opera performance at the city's Waterfront Hall last night.
During her visit to the Sports Council, she commended the GAA's decision to allow soccer and rugby at Croke Park as a "huge decision" which would further add to "the respect for other people's sport."