Ulster Unionist James Cooper has lost his High Court bid to oust Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew as sitting MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone. Mr Cooper had claimed voting irregularities in the election.
In his judgement, Lord Chief Justice Carswell said the incidents which took place at the polling station after the 10pm closing time were "extremely reprehensible". He said that although it was understandable that potential voters would feel angry at being denied the chance to vote, there was no excuse for "threatening intimidation" carried out by supporters of Michelle Gildernew.
However, the court ruled that this "serious and intolerable" behaviour was an isolated incident and had a small effect on the overall outcome. The court therefore ruled that the number of voting papers issued after closing time was materially fewer than the 53 needed to affect the election result.
Speaking afterwards, a "naturally disappointed" James Cooper claimed that the Ulster Unionist party had been entirely vindicated in its decision to take the case. Mr Cooper said that the verdict highlighted "the complete and utter contempt Sinn Fein has for the electoral process".
Michelle Gildernew said that it was a good result for the people of Fermanagh South Tyrone and that she had been vindicated. Ms Gildernew admitted that she could empathise with Mr Cooper for losing by such a small margin, adding that her doors were now open to all of the community in her constituency.
