The leadership of Ulster Unionism is almost irrelevant as ordinary unionist voters have "put their faith" in the DUP, according to Peter Robinson, the DUP deputy leader.
The East Belfast MP said "politics has moved on", and it was not really important who took over from David Trimble.
Mr Trimble resigned suddenly after a disastrous Westminster election for the party.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, Mr Robinson said of the UUP leadership election on June 23th: "I don't actually think it's that important - politics has moved on in Northern Ireland. I wouldn't involve myself in choosing a leader for the Ulster Unionist Party. They'd be trying to work out whether I was trying to sell them a pup or not."
Referring to senior party figures such as Lord Kilclooney, Lord Maginnis and Sir Reg Empey, who are known to be interested in the leadership, Mr Robinson said: "Why would I concern myself with whether the Ulster Unionist Party takes a reject from the Westminster election or somebody who is so unelectable that they were appointed to the House of Lords?"
Potential candidates are also thought to include Assembly member David McNarry and defeated Lagan Valley candidate Basil McCrea.