Loyalists 'left behind' in peace process led to flag protests - Powell
Reconciliation forum hears communities need support to regain political voice
Jonathan Powell: A feeling among working class loyalists that they were left behind in the peace process resulted in the recent flag protests. Photograph: Luke MacGregor/Reuters
A feeling among working class loyalists that they were left behind in the peace process resulted in the recent flag protests in Belfast, a former chief British negotiator on Northern Ireland has said.
Speaking at the National Reconciliation Networking Forum at Dublin Castle, Jonathan Powell, former chief of staff to Tony Blair and chief British negotiator on Northern Ireland between 1997 and 2007, said groups could get left behind by peace agreements.