This paper sets out a proposal for a deliberative systems approach in the context of Northern Ireland. It proposes a citizens’ council to run citizens’ juries and an assembly, initially focussing on cross-cutting cleavage issues perhaps relating to deprivation. Further, it would advocate for a strengthened youth parliament to ensure intergenerational fairness. The assembly could later consider how identities could be protected under all possible future constitutional arrangements, as well as possible political, economic and constitutional compromises. Such a body could then feed into an assembly in the republic ensuring that citizen input is considered in advance of any legislative proposals that would be required in advance of a referendum on possible unity.