The Ulster Unionists were accused today of running a "sham" selection meeting for their general election replacement of North Down Assembly member Mr Peter Weir.
Mr John Hunter claimed the constituency association was trying to guarantee "an easy ride" for Lady Sylvia Hermon, a Belfast Agreement supporter, when it narrowed down the number of candidates last night from 20 to five.
Mr Hunter, a former Northern Ireland Forum member, was one of several anti-Agreement members eliminated from the selection contest.
"The shambles that has surrounded the selection of a Parliamentary candidate has now reached new depths with last night'sshortlisting," he said.
Joining Ms Hermon in the contest on May 9th are North Down councillor Mr Leslie Cree, anti-Agreement unionist Dr Philip Weir, the Rev Eric Culbertson and Mr Clive McFarland.
"The reason why people such as myself, Peter King, Jean Coulter and John Junkin were omitted was that they wanted an easy ride for Lady Hermon," said Mr Hunter."This entire selection process is a sham, with a predetermined outcome to impose Lady Hermon as the candidate."
The UUP association was forced to hold another selection meeting after Mr Weir was suspended from the party for defying the leadership on several Assembly votes.
Mr Weir failed in a Belfast High Court bid last month to have his suspension lifted. He was selected as the party's candidate in March last year by a margin of five votes over Lady Hermon.
PA