The High Court judge who strongly criticised the Northern Secretary, Peter Hain, and senior civil servants over the appointment of interim Victims Commissioner Bertha McDougall has been asked to order that she be sacked.
The call was made by legal representatives for Brenda Downes, who won a judicial review over the way in which the appointment was made.
Counsel for Mrs Downes said if Ms McDougall's appointment was not terminated forthwith then Mr Hain would have licence to effectively thumb his nose at the court and continue with an illegal appointment.
Ms McDougall's interim appointment is due to end next week and Mr Justice Girvan asked what effect termination would have on producing a final report.
The hearing is continuing.
