The Democratic Unionist Party tonight issued a court challenge against Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid's decision not to call an election before May 1st, 2003.
DUP deputy leader Mr Peter Robinson accused Dr Reid of breaking an undertaking by his legal counsel in the High Court on Monday to set a date for an election within a reasonable period.
"Now that the Secretary of State had indicated that he does not intend to call an election before the statutory period has expired in 18 months' time we believe he has not fulfilled his obligation, is acting unreasonably and we will therefore challenge it in the courts.
"It is clear that he has cynically abused the powers granted to him to avoid calling an election. This legal challenge is distinct from any legal challenge which might be mounted to the validity of the election of the First and Deputy First Minister."
PA