Published Tuesday, 08 December 2009
Last week First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness sent a letter to all the MLAs in Stormont outlining the procedure for electing a future Justice Minister and asking for their nominations.
The deadline for nominating candidates is next Friday, and the occupant will need to secure cross community support in a vote at the Assembly.
UTV's Political Editor has learned Margaret Ritchie who is currently the Social Development Minister is to be put forward by her party.
She is the only nomination so far. The UUP have said they will not be putting anyone up for the position.
"When the Justice Minister is appointed we want to ensure that D'Hondt is completely re-run for all of the posts," UUP MLA Fred Cobain said.
"Any attempt to insert an Alliance member into the Ministerial role would undermine the democratic process of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. They have no right to that position."
The Alliance party has been the clear favourite to take the portfolio, but the party has indicated it will not nominate its candidate until a policy programme for the Justice Ministry is set out.
Sinn Fein has said they will support the SDLP nominee.