Two DUP ministers were today considering their next move in a legal battle with their Cabinet colleagues over access to ministerial papers.
Mr Gregory Campbell and Mr Maurice Morrow were planning their next move after they lost a court bid to apply for a judicial review against the withholding of British cabinet papers from them.
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A spokesman for Mr Campbell, the Stormont Regional Development minister and Mr Morrow, the Social Development minister, said they were considering an appeal of today's decision by Mr Justice Kerr, sitting in Belfast High Court, that they could not seek a judicial review.
A Department of Social Development spokesman said: "We are waiting for the full judgment, which is expected later in the week, before we consider an appeal."
The row erupted after First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Seamus Mallon announced plans to introduce free public transport for the elderly.
The Democratic Unionists had claimed that the leaders of the Stormont Executive were trying to steal credit for the proposal, which they said was their idea. They were also angry at the failure of their Cabinet colleagues to provide papers relating to the decision.
Lawyers acting for the First Minister told a court hearing last Friday that the papers were withheld from Mr Campbell and Mr Morrow because of concerns that they would be disclosed prematurely.
PA