Máiría Cahill

Ms Cahill, who is supported in her case by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), withdrew from the elections last this year because of the requirement.

A sitting councillor for the Killultagh district in Lisburn and Castlereagh Council at the time, she said she was not willing to publish her address because of “various legal orders” in place to protect her from violence and harassment.

The UK government has indicated it will amend the law that currently requires an individual’s address to be published when they stand as a candidate in local council elections.

The case against the Electoral Office has been dismissed and the court has allowed time for the government to change the law before the next stage of the case proceeds against the Secretary of State.

David Russell, chief executive of NIHRC, said: “The Commission welcomes the decision of the court to grant leave and the government’s decision to amend the current provisions of the Electoral Law (NI) Act which require candidates for local government elections in Northern Ireland to disclose their home address.

“However, the Commission continues to believe that Máiría’s human rights have been violated and this must be recognised by the government. The detriment caused should be acknowledged. We have sought engagement throughout this case and we would urge the Secretary of State to make progress on the issues before it returns to court.”