THE Victims' Commissioner has said she will serve a second term in the role if re-appointed by the secretary of state at the end of this month.
Judith Thompson was speaking after DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly said the commissioner could not continue in the role because she had lost the confidence of a "large swathe of the people whom her office is meant to represent".
Ms Thompson has faced criticism in recent weeks from unionist politicians and some victims' groups.
The criticism centres on advice she presented to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) relating to a pension for victims of the Troubles.
The advice, which is based on Westminster legislation, made no distinction between victims of paramilitary attacks and the perpetrators.
Ms Thompson, who took up the commissioner's role in 2015, said the definition of a victim was an issue for politicians to resolve.
"In my advice, it was absolutely clear I represent the greatest swathe of people who suffered harm – it is a contested definition," she told the BBC.
"I followed the remit I am given by law."
She said the legislation does not "deliver or suggest moral equivalence" between victims and those harmed carrying out attacks.
"But what it does say is that we need to recognise all harm," Ms Thompson said.
When asked if she would serve a second term, she said: "It is a matter for the secretary of state, and if I am offered it, I will take it."
