Corr girls: 'We love Jim, but we don't share his opinions'

While the group, which have reformed following a decade-long hiatus, can still find musical harmony, they don't always agree on everything else.

Speaking to the Irish Independent's 'Weekend' magazine, Caroline, Sharon and Andrea Corr said their brother is entitled to his views, but people should realise they are not necessarily the views held by them.

"We love him so dearly and also respect his right to not be censored and to have his own opinions.

"Also, I think people should know they're not opinions held by each member of the band," explained Sharon.

"Just because we're a family doesn't mean we think the same way all the time. People whitewashed us with this idea that you must all have the same ideas. That's bonkers," she added.

Among the more controversial conspiracy theories espoused by Jim is that the 9/11 attacks in the US were carried out by "rogue elements" in President George W Bush's administration.

"We disagree with each other like mates would disagree," said Caroline.

"I think that's healthier, rather than constantly agreeing with each other. When you love the people around you, you say what you think.

"Jim is entitled to have his opinions about stuff and if you put [controversial] stuff out there you have to be willing to put up with the criticism.

"If I put myself out there, I have to be willing to take the criticism," she said.

Andrea added: "I did an interview with Gay Byrne on 'The Meaning of Life' and it was probably one of the first times one of us was asked about Jim publicly, and I had to answer.

"And I remember saying to Gay that it was a pity that one person's opinion meant we all thought the same - and Gay said, 'No, I don't think they do'.

"And I thought that was wonderful and made me realise that maybe people didn't think we all shared those views."

She pointed out that criticism doesn't just come with having Jim's views - but by simply getting back together again and making music.

"You surrender your anonymity and you do leave yourself vulnerable for criticism for any Joe Soap to have an opinion about your music," she said.

"You do surrender that, but doing music makes that worthwhile.

"I'm willing to surrender anonymity and even leave myself open to criticism or begrudgery or anything like that for the music."