He (Mr Mearns) is helping to develop a new approach,"single identity work", which helps young people examine their cultural roots to see what they have in common with their peers from other communities. "When you are sure of where you are here," he says, his hand on his heart, "then you don't need to feel defensive, you are more likely to listen to other people and not feel threatened."

A mural on the Loyalist Glencairn estate reflects this new mood. It says: "English ascendancy and Irish chauvinism have combined to suppress knowledge of Ulster history to deprive Ulstermen of legitimate pride in their heritage and national identity." Beneath the mural, a postscript asks passers-by: "Do you know your history?" In an initial exploration of the single identity theme, its power to transform how young people see themselves was evident.

''My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge''. It may be an uphill struggle but let us try and impart knowledge to our people. The knowledge of who and what we are. Of our history,traditions and culture as a separate and distinct people on this island.

'North America provided ample scope for the national character and soaring vision of the men of Ulster origin. It is sad that almost nothing of this is known in Ulster today. English Ascendancy and Irish Chauvinism have combined to supress knowledge of Ulster and Ulster history,to deny the very concept of the Ulster nation at home or overseas and to deprive Ulstermen of legitimate pride in their heritage and national identity' Harold R. Alexander