The Ulster Unionist Party may not be able to field a candidate in North Down if a general election is held on May 3rd, the High Court in Belfast heard yesterday.
Mr Declan Morgan QC said the longer there was a delay in dealing with the injunction granted to Mr Peter Weir "the more difficult it would be for the constituency association to put in motion the procedures to have a candidate".
Mr Weir is seeking a court ruling to stop the constituency association from deselecting him as their candidate.
His barrister, Mr Adrian Colmer, said the hearing could not take place this Friday, as had been anticipated, because Mr Weir's appeal against suspension from the Unionist Party was due to be held that day.
Depending on the outcome, further affidavit evidence might be required, he said.
He said if April 17th turned out to be the last day for nominations, this would require an abridgment of the association's rule allowing a period of three weeks for consideration of the list of candidates. This would require the endorsement of the Unionist Council.
Mr Justice Girvan fixed the hearing for next Monday.