A new strategy which offers Northern Ireland a way forward out of the current sectarian stymie is launched today by its co-authors Mrs Helen Brooker and Dr Ian Adamson OBE.

Focusing on Common Identity, the Pretani Associates’ project, which has been developed over the last four years, uses the early history of these islands as an antidote to the poisonous legacy of Northern Ireland’s recent, troubled past…

Using conscience as its motivation, along with the commonly held perception that society here simply ‘does not feel right,’ the Common Identity strategy is a thought process which frees those who choose to follow it from the shackles of forty years of sectarian conflict and societal disintegration.

Commenting on the new initiative, strategy co-author Helen Brooker said, “Common Identity is something we all share. The cultural instability which is holding Northern Ireland back socially, educationally, financially and developmentally is caused by people’s perceptions about their culture and other people’s cultures. What Common Identity does is remove the old triggers which constantly cause friction and conflict here.”

Noted author and historian Dr Ian Adamson OBE added, “The Pretani were the first people of the British Isles, and that’s where our organisation takes its name and inspiration from. Everyone in this country, regardless of religion or politics, shares a common identity stretching back to ancient times. If we concentrate on what we have in common, and set aside recent differences, we can find lasting peace and harmony.”