The Democratic Unionist Party has apologised to Rhonda Paisley after she alleged she had been discriminated against over a job application due to her gender.
Ms Paisley, whose father is party leader the Rev Ian Paisley, had applied to the Equal Opportunities Commission for assistance in the case.
She had applied for a position in party headquarters in 2004 and was preparing a complaint for an industrial tribunal after she was passed over for appointment.
However, the issue was suddenly settled yesterday with both the party and the Equal Opportunities Commission issuing statements.
The DUP admitted: "Following discussions arising from the aforementioned case, the DUP accepts its staff recruitment procedures were deficient in a number of areas." The statement continued: "As a result the DUP . . . has now put in place best practice methodology for future staffing appointments. The DUP regrets the way in which these issues have been handled and is sorry for any distress caused."
The commission then stated: "The Equality Commission can confirm that, in regard to the case brought by Rhonda Paisley against the officers of the Ulster Democratic Unionist Party alleging sex discrimination in a recruitment exercise, Ms Paisley has withdrawn her application for assistance by the commission and her complaint to the Industrial Tribunal has also been withdrawn."