The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments is to receive an official complaint about an Orangeman serving on Northern Ireland’s Parades Commission, it emerged today.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain today defended the appointment of an Orangeman to the Parades Commission after it emerged he supplied the name of a nationalist politician as a referee without ever consulting her.

The British government was tonight facing demands from nationalist politicians in Northern Ireland for further explanation about its appointment practices for members of the Parades Commission.

An Orangeman on Northern Ireland’s Parades Commission was today urged to resign after fresh questions were raised about his appointment.

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren will attempt to enlist the help of Rafael Benitez and Alex McLeish as he plots the downfall of Graz AK in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.