The Guardian's Nick Watt blogs that the previously selected candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Tom Elliott, has stepped aside in favour of an independent unionist, Rodney Connor (pictured). A former chief executive of Fermanagh District Council, Mr Connor has said that if elected he would take the Conservative whip at Westminster.
The DUP has also indicated that it will not contest the seat and give its backing to Mr Connor, although shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson has emphasised that the Conservatives have had "no discussions with the DUP on this matter at all".
It is a seat which was held by the UUP until 2001, since when it has elected a Sinn Fein MP, Michelle Gildernew, who has never taken her seat in the Commons.
A Conservative spokesman explains:
"At this election here in Northern Ireland there will be 18 candidates, one in every constituency, committed to taking the Conservative whip in the House of Commons.
"In recent weeks there has been a tsunami of public opinion in favour of a candidate who can end abstentionism and bring democratic representation to Fermanagh and South Tyrone in Parliament.
"The Conservative party has recognised the strength of local opinion on this and responded in a manner which has significantly strengthened our relationship with the Ulster Unionists as we seek to bring Northern Ireland back into the mainstream of UK politics."
Jonathan Isaby
