Election concern over party row

Challenge: Peter Weir has taken court action.

The High Court in Belfast has been told that a row over the selection of a general election candidate in North Down could mean the Ulster Unionists may not be able to field a runner if the poll is on 3 May.

Peter Weir is seeking a court ruling to stop the constituency association from de-selecting him as Westminster candidate.

Mr Weir gained a court injunction on Thursday to stop a constituency meeting to debate a motion of no confidence in him as candidate.

Declan Morgan QC told the court on Monday that it would be difficult for the association to put in motion the procedures to have a candidate if the delay in dealing with the injunction was much longer.

Party action

Lady Sylvia Hermon: Constituency chairman

Mr Weir, who is opposed to the Agreement, was selected as Ulster Unionist candidate in North Down after a closely fought contest with constituency chairman Lady Sylvia Hermon, who supports the Agreement.

But his candidacy was thrown into doubt after he was suspended from the Ulster Unionists in February for voting against the party in the assembly.

The North Down assembly member was called before a disciplinary hearing, which imposed the suspension after a three-hour hearing.

He is appealing the suspension and the party's ruling executive will meet on Friday to hear Mr Weir's case.

The High Court will hear the case next Monday.