Row over appointments to rights commission
A senior Ulster Unionist was tonight considering legal action after failing to be appointed to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
As a row erupted over his party colleague's invitation on to the body, Lord Maginnis of Drumglass accused Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid of blocking his application to ensure a nationalist majority.
"The fact I have been excluded not by the interviewing panel but by the Secretary of State indicates his determination to have a nationalist bias within the commission," he told BBC Radio Ulster.
Earlier Sinn Fein claimed the appointment of Mr Chris McGimpsey, the brother of the Northern Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Mr Michael McGimpsey, as one of four commissioners was "disgraceful and clearly politically motivated".
Mr McGimpsey, a Belfast city councillor, will join the outgoing president of the Mothers' Union, Lady Christine Eames, the director of the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities, Mr Patrick Yu, and Civic Forum member, Mr Kevin McLaughlin, on the Commission for a period of three years.
But on announcing the move, Dr Reid said all four candidates were "able".
"I am confident that all four of these people will make a significant contribution to the work of the Commission in the years ahead."
Dr Reid also re-appointed eight people, including the chairman Professor Brice Dickson to the commission, which was created under the Good Friday Agreement.
While claiming Mr Yu and Mr McLaughlin were qualified to sit on the board, Sinn Fein human rights spokesman Mr Pat McNamee queried the appointment of Lady Eames and Mr McGimpsey, claiming they had no track record on rights' issues.
The Newry and Armagh MLA argued: "These disgraceful appointments, which are clearly politically motivated, demonstrate that the Northern Ireland Office have buckled under unionist demands."
Mr McGimpsey hit back at Sinn Fein's criticisms, claiming it highlighted the flaws which needed to be addressed.
"They appear to feel it's impossible for a unionist or Protestant to be interested in human rights," he said.
PA