A disciplinary hearing brought against well-known Ulster Unionist Basil McCrea, after he was critical of the party's stance on the union flag issue, has been inconclusive.
The Lagan Valley MLA was brought before a panel yesterday evening in Belfast to explain his criticism of party leader Mike Nesbitt, which resulted in Mr McCrea losing the party whip last month.
In an unusual move, however, the panel of five senior UUP personnel gave no ruling but instead retired to consider the evidence, saying they would report back when they had reached a verdict.
A "knackered" Mr McCrea last night said he had "argued my case for three straight hours" in front of the panel - former UUP chairman James Cooper, Tom Fleming, Lady Trimble, Joan Carson and May Steele.
If they ultimately find against him, the case could end up in the high court, generating bad publicity for a party already in the electoral doldrums.
Considered on the liberal wing of the party, Mr McCrea has clashed with UUP chiefs over the party's handling of the loyalist union flag protests and, in particular, closer co-operation with the DUP.