Celtic's new chairman John Reid has been criticised over his role in the Iraq conflict - during the club's annual general meeting.
Dr Reid, 60, was a senior member of the cabinet at the time of the invasion by British and American forces in 2003.
The Celtic Trust said it opposed his appointment because it was contrary to the club's heritage.
Dr Reid said the club employs people of all political opinions and described his appointment as an "honour".
The former Health Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons was announced as the board's choice for the role in September and, despite some objections from supporters, was confirmed as Brian Quinn's successor on Monday.
"When you come to this club, you leave the background, religious division and political division behind"
Dr Reid told those gathered at the AGM: "I regard this as the greatest honour of my life.
"When you come to this club, you leave the background, religious division, and political division behind. This is not a forum for political debate.
"I am a member of the Celtic family and a lifelong supporter."
Of those members voting by proxy, 97.85% backed Reid's appointment.
However, some supporters at the meeting condemned the decision to give the job to Dr Reid, who was also Secretary of State for Scotland and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Outgoing chairman Quinn, who is standing down after seven years in the post, said he was confident Dr Reid would be a successful appointment.
Quinn told the club's website: "John will be an excellent replacement. John is a man of high intellect. He is a man of great experience.
"He has run meetings, he has run boards - because that's what governmental departments are in a sense."
"He has got strong leadership qualities and a tremendous analytical capacity.
"John's a very persuasive person. He'll be an excellent Celtic chairman. I've got no doubt at all about that."
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