Legacy report 'will be published'

Lord Eames and Denis Bradley pledged publication of their report

A report on the legacy of the Troubles will be published privately even if the government refuses to do so, its authors have said.

The co-chairmen of the Consultative Group on the Past have given details of their pact to the BBC.

Lord Eames and Denis Bradley said that all members of their group agreed with the decision.

Asked if he was certain the report would be published, Mr Bradley said the group had pledged to do so.

"We have kind of taken a solemn convenant among ourselves that we will publish it if no-one else, we have taken that commitment among ourselves.

Lord Eames added: "There are those who will do it for us, those who will publish it for us if it is not published officially."