For the second time in 10 days Ulster Unionists in north Down were last night forced to cancel a meeting aimed at deselecting Mr Peter Weir as their candidate in the forthcoming general election.
Lady Sylvia Hermon, chairwoman of the constituency association, said they had no alternative after a judge extended an injunction granted to Mr Weir on March 22nd. Mr Justice Girvan's decision followed a day-long hearing in the High Court.
Mr Mark Horner QC, for Mr Weir, who is fighting the move to replace him, submitted that the constituency association did not have the power under its rules to deselect a candidate.
To do so, he said, the association would have to change its rules. That would require the approval of the Unionist Council and there would have to be 14 days' notice of such a meeting. Mr Weir is currently suspended from the party and his appeal is due to be heard on Friday.