THE British government has set up an independent investigation into a case of sectarian harassment of a Catholic employee at the office of the Northern Ireland Economy Minister, Baroness Denton.
The announcement came last night amid growing demands from nationalist politicians for the Minister's resignation.
The setting up of the review under the auspices of the North's former Ombudsman, Dr Maurice Hayes, is being viewed as an attempt to quell the controversy. Dr Hayes will complete his report by mid April. Baroness Denton welcomed the investigation.
The SDLP and Sinn Fein wanted her to resign immediately. However, the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, last night said that she had been subjected to unjust criticism.
She was a fine, fair and tireless worker for all in Northern Ireland, regardless of gender or tradition".
Last weekend it was alleged that Baroness Denton broke fair employment guidelines in the appointment of her travelling private secretary, who is usually selected from a list drawn up by civil servants. She chose someone - not on the list.
However, it is a sectarian harassment incident in her office in July 1995 which is causing the most controversy. The Protestant perpetrator of the harassment was allowed to remain in her post while the Catholic victim was transferred, contrary to British government guidelines.
Sir Patrick last night denied that Baroness Denton had ordered the transfer, although confidential documents published in last week's Irish News seem to suggest otherwise.
The Northern Secretary said that such staffing matters were the concern of her department and not of the baroness personally. He also said the victim had not complained of sectarian harassment before she was transferred.
The British government apologised to the woman for the harassment and, paid her £10,000 compensation.