Memory of Kerr looms over negotiations in North

THE memory of murdered Catholic PSNI officer Ronan Kerr looms large over Northern politics as negotiations for a new power-sharing Executive continue.

DUP leader Peter Robinson dedicated his decisive victory in the Stormont poll to the slain constable, while the late policeman’s brother strongly attacked UUP chief Tom Elliott for branding Sinn Féin supporters “scum”.

Despite being written off by many in the North after losing his Westminster seat last year amid a swirl of controversy surrounding land deals and his wife’s personal life, Mr Robinson mounted a major comeback in his East Belfast heartland as the DUP increased its standing in the 108-member Assembly to 38.