MR William McCarter is to continue in his position as chairman of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), at the end of a difficult year for the organisation. The fund has faced criticism over its management of funds, and allegations that it was biased towards providing assistance for nationalist areas and projects.

Mr McCarter, who is managing director of the Irish operations of the American clothing manufacturers, Fruit of the Loom, heads an IFI board which has three new members, including Mr Eamon Hanna of the west Belfast economic regeneration agency, the Phoenix Trust, and Mr Victor Haslett, chairman and chief executive of Willis Corroon.

The seven member board is appointed by the British and Irish governments, and sits for three years.