No concern over 'IRA volunteer'

Mr Nesbitt said he regretted that anybody had been upset

No member of the Victims' Commission objected to the term "IRA volunteer" in the mini-biography of one of the members, a commissioner has said.

A statement released by the commission described Patricia MacBride's brother as an "IRA volunteer" who was "killed on active service".

Some unionists said he should have been described as a terrorist.

However, commissioner Mike Nesbitt said there had been no concerns raised about the description.

"The four of us, by an exchange of emails, prepared an agreed statement which Brendan read out.

"Individually, we wrote our own pen pics - or short CVs - and the only restriction was to keep it to about 150 words.

"The content, the style and the language was up to each individual.

"All of us saw everybody else's, and nobody objected to anybody's - there was no concern.

"This is Patricia expressing herself in her own terms."

Mr Nesbitt said he regretted that anybody had been upset or had taken offence at it.

'Relevant aspects'

Earlier on Wednesday, Ms MacBride defended her appointment after a row developed over the description of her brother, a former IRA member shot by the SAS.

She said she was capable of engaging with both sides of the community.

"My profile reflects the relevant aspects of my personal and my professional life," she said.

"I run a successful public relations company. I served as a lay magistrate for three years and I have many years experience dealing ring with victims right across the community.

Patricia MacBride is one of four commissioners appointed

"The death of my father and brother alone are not the reasons for my appointment as commissioner."

The four commissioners also include broadcaster Mr Nesbitt, ex-interim victims' commissioner Bertha McDougall and Brendan McAllister of Mediation NI.

All four posts are full-time and receive a salary of £65,000.

The post is intended to promote the interests of victims of the Troubles.