The forum was an exercise in imagining not just a united Ireland, for it was stated more than once that such an outcome was inevitable, but how one would come about and precisely how one would look on the map.

The forum was organized by one party, Sinn Féin. But it was also stated and acknowledged that the unity of Ireland is not solely the prerogative of this party, or any one party on the island of Ireland.

A united Ireland, is, and this too was expressly stated, a constitutional imperative for the existing 26-county republic and all who participate in its legitimate political life.

So unity concerns everyone on the island and, though they would presumably lack a vote in any future referenda on the issues of partition and unity, all those from the island who are living overseas, all Irish citizens no matter their birthplace, all among the diaspora who have Irish ancestry, and, indeed, everyone and anyone who is simply interested and concerned about the island's future.

There were between 700 and 800 people from all these categories at the forum and all listened intently to speakers who approached the subject of Irish unity from a variety of distinct perspectives.

Gerry Adams, of course, outlined his party's well-known view of what the future should hold. But others approached the issue from an academic and, in the case of Brian Keenan, from a raw human and emotional perspective that held everyone in the room spellbound.

Interestingly, another speaker, Dr. Brendan O'Leary of the University of Pennsylvania, presented the idea of a possible future federal Ireland, not necessarily based on the Eire Nua model of the historic four provinces, but rather one in which the current six counties, long familiar with each other, would remain an entity in a federated union with the 26 counties, also long familiar with each other's company.

Other speakers presented a more traditional view of a future union of North and South but, overall, what was especially encouraging was the unequivocal acceptance of change based on politics and consent, and not through violent means.

The forum, as such, was a call to words, debate, consideration and a grassroots effort in the U.S, and other countries where the diaspora is significantly represented that would replicate in key respects the MacBride Principles campaign.

And in an indicator of a campaign taking precisely such a form, the second half of the forum was filled with the words of representatives of an array of Irish American organizations from around the nation.

Nobody will assert that a united Ireland is an easy proposition, that the road to one will not be fraught and troublesome, that no matter what form it eventually takes it will not please everybody.

But that's no reason to simply turn away and forget, discard the goal, or give in to the view that it is unattainable.

If we believe that the island of Ireland can be better place than it has been, than it is now, then it is indeed an imperative that we work to achieve what can, and should be, a more perfect union of the Planter and the Gael.