Martin McGuinness has been hailed as "one of the great leaders of modern times" by a Presbyterian minister.
The Reverend David Latimer was speaking at the opening day of the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Belfast.
It was the first time that the annual party conference has been held in the city and the minister of the First Derry Presbyterian Church was invited to address delegates. His decision to take up the invitation resulted in him being criticized by several unionist politicians.
"Martin, you and I have been journeying together for the last five years, and in that time we have become very firm friends able to relax in each other's company," said the clergyman.
"While our interaction might understandably raise eyebrows amongst some within our communities, the reality is you and I regard ourselves to be brothers within the same human family.
"Your invitation to me is forward looking and timely. Is it possible that the Democratic Unionists could see their way to invite a Catholic priest to address their party conference this year or next?"
Rev. Latimer said there were no objections within his congregation to him accepting the offer.
He also told Sinn Féin members that he would eventually like to see a symbolic public day of reconciliation in Northern Ireland. He said the one-off event, which would see mutual recognition of wrongdoing, could be staged across all of Ireland.
"Such a solitary and public event would, I believe, provide space and time for everybody involved in the conflict to acknowledge the pain that each has inflicted," he said.
"Recognizing we have hurt each other and that we have been hurt by each other and that we all need to forgive would undeniably be liberating for all 32 counties, I think, of this island."
Hardline unionist MLA, Jim Allister of Traditional Unionist Voice criticized the Latimer for speaking at the Ard Fheis.
"In describing McGuinness as a great leader he trampled on the graves and memories of all the victims of the IRA.
"This latter day Lundy may see McGuinness as 'one of the great leaders of modern times', I see him as one of the most unrepentant terrorist godfathers of modern times."
Speaking during his presidential address on Saturday, Gerry Adams indicated that Sinn Féin will put forward a candidate for the Irish presidency.
"Across this island more and more people are looking to Sinn Féin for leadership," he told a packed Waterfront Hall.
"In my view, Sinn Féin should support the nomination of a candidate to be president of Ireland. A candidate who is capable of winning the support of progressive and nationalist opinion. And who will reflect the broad republican spirit of the Irish people at this time."
