John McDonnell apologises 'from bottom of his heart' for IRA remark

Labour's Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, has apologised for saying IRA terrorists should be honoured.

Speaking on the BBC's Question Time, he said his remarks in 2003 had been an attempt to persuade people to support the peace process.

''There was a real risk of the Republican movement splitting and some of them continuing the armed process,'' he said.

''If I gave offence, and I clearly have, from the bottom of my heart I apologise, I apologise.''