Gerry Adams has sent out a conciliatory message to unionists as negotiations continue on the restoration of devolution to Northern Ireland.

Having met with his Ulster Unionist Party counterpart David Trimble three times in 12 days, the republican leader is hoping progress can be made on securing a fresh round of assembly elections before the end of the year.

Ahead of a conference on "Building for Irish re-unification" at Stormont on Tuesday, the Sinn Fein president said he wanted to learn from his political opponents.

"We are committed to establishing an entirely new, democratic and harmonious future with our unionist neighbours," he said.

"And we have still a lot to learn about the unionist viewpoint, about their concerns, fears and aspirations.

"One of the failures thus far of this process is that there has not been intelligent and pro active listening by all sides."

But behind the warm towards the unionist community, the Belfast MP warned that in the long term it was inevitable republicanism would achieve its historic goals.

"We have to show unionists that Sinn Fein - that Irish republicanism - is a fundamental part of their future," Adams claimed.

"That together we can build a future of equals on this island that empowers, protects and enriches everyone.

"There will be a united Ireland. And our task, and that of all sensible Irish political leaders, should be to prepare for reunification.

"This is a challenge not just for Sinn Fein and republicans and nationalists but also for the unionist community and leadership of unionism."