There will be a by-election to fill the seat on Castlereagh Borough Council left vacant by the resignation of Iris Robinson of the DUP.
This was decided at a meeting of the council.
It is believed the by-election will cost the council up to £30,000.
The DUP said councillors unanimously agreed in 2006 no bye-elections would be held to fill vacancies. It blamed 'petty politicking' for the vote.
The party said it would contest the by-election vigorously and intended to offer the voters of Castlereagh East a young, dynamic and strong local candidate who it claimed would command the respect and support of the greater number of voters.
The Ulster Unionist Party tonight chose Hazel Legge from Dundonald as its candidate.
Alliance councillor Geraldine Rice said a by-election was necessary because 'the public must have their say on the Iris Robinson issue'.
'Any denial of election in this case on the basis of cost would be fundamentally wrong. Democracy requires the public must be given a voice on this issue,' she said.
