"The path will not be easy but I am convinced the problems will be solved faster and at a smaller cost if there is unity and consensus, " he told reporters.
He said his gut instinct was that it was "possible although noteasy and not cheap" that solutions to problems posed by an estuary airport could be found.
Both candidates recognise there is no easy solution to problems that began when the council in 1996 and 2002 voted to increase pension benefits but not pension contributions.