A attempt to cross-examine the Northern Ireland Secretary about the Flags Order was deferred in the High Court in Belfast yesterday.
Mr Justice Kerr was due to give a ruling on whether Mr Peter Mandelson should be subpoenaed in relation to a judicial review brought by a Sinn Fein MLA, Mr Conor Murphy. But following legal submissions about widening the scope of the case, the judge said the application was premature.
The Flags Order was passed at Westminster while the Assembly was suspended last year. It means the Union flag must be flown on 17 designated days at government offices, including those of Sinn Fein ministers.
Mr Murphy's lawyer has claimed the legislation was the result of a secret deal with Mr David Trimble to enable Mr Trimble to get the backing of the Ulster Unionist Council last May.
The hearing was adjourned until today.