Troubles group posts criticised

Lord Eames and Denis Bradley co-chair the body

Northern Ireland's commissioner for public appointments has criticised how the co-chairs of the Consultative Group on the Past were given their jobs.

Lord Eames and Denis Bradley were appointed last year by the then Secretary of State Peter Hain - without the roles being advertised.

Felicity Huston said such appointments should be "open and transparent".

The Northern Ireland Office said it was not unusual for individuals to be asked to take up short term positions.

The group's role is to find a way to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

In a statement, the NIO said ministers agreed that Lord Eames and Denis Bradley both had considerable experience in dealing with issues relating to the legacy of Northern Ireland's past.

It also said that the ad-hoc nature and short duration of the group meant it was not considered proportionate to embark in a public recruitment process.

During a consultation period, which ended in January, the group met with over 100 organisations from across Northern Ireland.

They have discussed a South African style truth commission and possibly defining the Troubles as a war.