Judgement due today on Sinn Fein legal challenge

A judgement is due later on Sinn Fein's legal challenge to David Trimble's ban on its two ministers attending North-South Ministerial Council meetings.

A judgement is due later today on Sinn Fein's legal challenge to David Trimble's ban on its two ministers attending the North-South Ministerial Council.

Sinn Fein took its action at the end of last year, following the imposition of the sanctions by the First Minister at the Ulster Unionist Council meeting on October 25 in a bid to force the IRA to decommission.

Sinn Fein claims Mr Trimble's edict is preventing its ministers from doing their jobs, that he acted outside his powers, in contravention of his oath of office and against the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.

Its two ministers have been unable to participate in North/South Ministerial Council meetings since.