Trimble likely to become First Minister tomorrow

David Trimble remains on course to return as North's First Minister. The Ulster Unionist leader is likely to resume his post despite attempts by rival unionists to undermine his election.

The Rev Ian Paisley's DUP failed in a Belfast High Court bid to force the British Government to announce a swift Assembly election. However, they and their anti-Good Friday Agreement colleagues succeeded in delaying the election of First and Deputy First Ministers in the Assembly by 24 hours by lodging a petition of concern with the Speaker.