The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr David Trimble, has defended Northern Ireland-born British soldier Col Tim Collins against allegations that he committed war crimes during the war in Iraq.
Col Collins, from Belfast, who commanded the 600-strong Royal Irish Regiment in southern Iraq, was accused by an American military colleague of breaking the Geneva Convention by ill-treating Iraqi prisoners of war.
Col Collins shot to prominence on the eve of war by urging his troops in stirring tones to be unremitting in battle but to be magnanimous in victory and to remember that it was a war of liberation and not conquest.
Mr Trimble defended the officer's reputation by yesterday describing him as "shining example" to the entire British army.
"This leader is one of the finest examples of the professional soldier, and any slight on his character is a great disservice to the man and his regiment," he said.
"The character, grit and even-handed approach of Colonel Collins are characteristics we should applaud.
"Journalists who shadowed his every move during the Gulf War had nothing but praise for his abilities, which makes the accusations against him all the more dubious," he added.
"Tim Collins has given sterling service to his country and made all of us from his native Northern Ireland proud of his immeasurable contribution in southern Iraq.
"He is a shining example to the whole British army, and I trust that his reputation will remain untarnished when this silly episode is finally laid to rest," said Mr Trimble.