Robinson’s temporary withdrawal may be first step from political stage

PETER Robinson’s decision temporarily to stand aside as Northern Ireland Assembly First Minister may be the first step in a staged withdrawal from the political stage.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has taken over the top job in a move unlikely to ease the continuing stand-off with Sinn Féin.

After a string of revelations around the sex life and financial dealings of Mr Robinson’s wife, Iris, he said he was looking for six weeks breathing space to deal with the embarrassing crisis. Iris Robinson was said to be receiving “acute psychiatric treatment”.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen welcomed Mr Robinson’s decision to continue to work on the crucial issue of devolution of policing and justice and his commitment to a successful resolution.

“I believe it is now essential that there is swift progress, in the coming days, on the devolution of policing and justice. That is in the interests of all of the parties and all of the people they represent, ” the Taoiseach said.

Today, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will meet the secretary of state for Northern Ireland to review the situation.

Just an hour after his DUP colleagues at Stormont emerged from private talks to declare they were offering their support to Mr Robinson, the party announced the first minister was temporarily to step down.

“As a father and a husband, I need to devote time to deal with family matters,” he said, adding, “I continue to contend I have actedethically and it is particularly painful at this time of great personal trauma that I have to defend myself from an unfounded and mischievous allegation.”

He said he had asked for a parliamentary and Assembly inquiry to be carried out into TV documentary claims linking him to events where his wife secured £50,000 from two wealthy developers to help her 19-year-old lover, Kirk McCambley, set up a restaurant business in south Belfast.

“This has been a difficult time . . . Iris is receiving acute psychiatric treatment through the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.”

Repeating his claims of innocence, he added he would focus on helping his family, but would also continue his political work as DUP leader.

“Throughout this period I will continue to work on the outstanding issues relating to policing and justice and some other matters,” he said. “This allows a particularly concentrated focus on these discussions and we will work to try to build on the agreements we have already reached so that a successful resolution can be reached.”

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the contentious political issues at Stormont will be sorted out. His party was determined to see beyond current difficulties.