Ms Michelle Gildernew:

I welcome Mr. Powell to the committee. It is good to see him again. I commend him on his continuing interest in the peace process and the political situation in Ireland. He concluded with and laboured heavily on the issue of inclusion during his contribution. In the all-party talks, how critical was the inclusion of Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness to securing the Good Friday Agreement? What is Mr. Powell's view on that?

Mr. Powell mentioned meeting the brigadiers. I know he has done much work to try to bring loyalists along. Is he surprised at the Loyalist Communities Council's reaction to the protocol? What advice would he offer it with regard to the Good Friday Agreement and the protocol? Brexit certainly seemed to us to be completely incompatible with the Good Friday Agreement and the protocol is doing its best to mitigate against the worst ravages of that. This is the only forum on the island of Ireland that includes every political party. So far, unionist politicians have not agreed to be at this committee meeting. We would like that to change and have tried to include them. We hope they are listening to it. What would Mr. Powell's advice to loyalists be, especially in light of the recent attack by the UVF on the Houben Centre? I thank Mr. Powell.