Martina Anderson apologises unreservedly for hurt and offence to victims caused by 'clumsy' tweet

There were calls for Ms. Anderson to be sanctioned over the tweet which she later deleted on Tuesday evening.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: “The comments made by Martina Anderson this evening are unacceptable, disgusting and grossly insulting to hundreds of victims who sustained life changing physical and psychological injuries related to troubles incidents."

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said: “The pension is for innocent victims and is rightly a recognition that as a result of injuries caused by terrorists, they were unable to make their own pension contributions.

"Martina Anderson has form in making outrageous statements, but this statement is offensive to innocent victims of terrorism. It is also patent nonsense."

On Wednesday morning Ms. Anderson said: "I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and offence caused by my tweet to people who suffered serious harm during the conflict here.

"My comments were clumsy were not directed at them and it was never my intention to cause them any hurt.

"All victims of the conflict deserve acknowledgement of their pain and loss and I support them in their efforts to get their pension."