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12/01/2010
Foster Firmly Behind Robinson
The North's acting First Minister has reaffirmed her support for embattled Peter Robinson, who yesterday stood down from office for six weeks.
Arlene Foster said Mr Robinson is an "outstanding leader of unionism" and echoed her party's decision for him to remain as DUP Leader.
Mr Robinson said he would take a temporary break from the Stormont role to concentrate on clearing his name, following revelations about his MP wife Iris's financial dealings.
Mrs Foster insisted her position as head of the province's government was temporary.
"After six weeks either Peter comes back or there is a new election to the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister," she said.
Mrs Foster called on those within the DUP, who had spoken 'off the record' to journalists voicing their concerns over Mr Robinson, to "have the courage of their convictions and come out".
"He [Mr Robinson] is not stepping down, he is just stepping aside for a short period of time to deal with very understandable issues in relation to his wife and, indeed, the one political allegation that has been made against him," she said.
Mrs Foster will also continue in her Executive role as NI Enterprise Minister.
Last night the BBC's Panorama programme reported developer Ken Campbell was still awaiting full payment of money given to Iris Robinson's former love Kirk McCambley.
Mr Campbell had written a cheque for £25,000 to Mr McCambley, who was opening a cafe business.
He claimed the owner of the Lock Keeper's Inn still owes him £5,000.
Assembly officials are investigation the conduct of both Mr Robinson and his wife, who was ousted from the DUP on Saturday.
Stormont's Committee on Standards and Privileges will look into any possible breaches of the Assembly's code of conduct.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown contracted Mrs Foster last night, and urged all MLAs to focus on the business of government.
"I urge all politicians in Northern Ireland, whatever the turbulence of recent events, to remain focused on the business of government, and to recognise the crucial importance of intensifying engagement in those issues which remain to be solved," he said.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward confirmed three meeting had taken place between the two largest parties - Sinn Féin and the DUP - yesterday.
It is believed the talks centred on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Executive.
Sinn Féin has said the new department should be established as soon as possible.
Democratic Unionists have remained aloof on the issuing, insisting transfer of the powers cannot take place until there is significant community confidence.
Mr Robinson said he would continue to take an active role in justice discussions. Mrs Foster also partook in the latest round of talks. More dialogue is expected to take place today.
(PR/BMcC)
Arlene Foster said Mr Robinson is an "outstanding leader of unionism" and echoed her party's decision for him to remain as DUP Leader.
Mr Robinson said he would take a temporary break from the Stormont role to concentrate on clearing his name, following revelations about his MP wife Iris's financial dealings.
Mrs Foster insisted her position as head of the province's government was temporary.
"After six weeks either Peter comes back or there is a new election to the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister," she said.
Mrs Foster called on those within the DUP, who had spoken 'off the record' to journalists voicing their concerns over Mr Robinson, to "have the courage of their convictions and come out".
"He [Mr Robinson] is not stepping down, he is just stepping aside for a short period of time to deal with very understandable issues in relation to his wife and, indeed, the one political allegation that has been made against him," she said.
Mrs Foster will also continue in her Executive role as NI Enterprise Minister.
Last night the BBC's Panorama programme reported developer Ken Campbell was still awaiting full payment of money given to Iris Robinson's former love Kirk McCambley.
Mr Campbell had written a cheque for £25,000 to Mr McCambley, who was opening a cafe business.
He claimed the owner of the Lock Keeper's Inn still owes him £5,000.
Assembly officials are investigation the conduct of both Mr Robinson and his wife, who was ousted from the DUP on Saturday.
Stormont's Committee on Standards and Privileges will look into any possible breaches of the Assembly's code of conduct.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown contracted Mrs Foster last night, and urged all MLAs to focus on the business of government.
"I urge all politicians in Northern Ireland, whatever the turbulence of recent events, to remain focused on the business of government, and to recognise the crucial importance of intensifying engagement in those issues which remain to be solved," he said.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward confirmed three meeting had taken place between the two largest parties - Sinn Féin and the DUP - yesterday.
It is believed the talks centred on the contentious devolution of policing and justice powers to the local Executive.
Sinn Féin has said the new department should be established as soon as possible.
Democratic Unionists have remained aloof on the issuing, insisting transfer of the powers cannot take place until there is significant community confidence.
Mr Robinson said he would continue to take an active role in justice discussions. Mrs Foster also partook in the latest round of talks. More dialogue is expected to take place today.
(PR/BMcC)
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Democratic Unionist spin doctors last night scrambled to quash questions raised by the BBC over a land deal involving the North's First Minister, Peter Robinson. The report revealed Mr Robinson and his disgraced politician wife Iris, purchased a small parchment of land close to their home in 2006 from developer Fred Fraser, who is now deceased.
Land Deal Questions For Robinson
Democratic Unionist spin doctors last night scrambled to quash questions raised by the BBC over a land deal involving the North's First Minister, Peter Robinson. The report revealed Mr Robinson and his disgraced politician wife Iris, purchased a small parchment of land close to their home in 2006 from developer Fred Fraser, who is now deceased.
09 July 2008
Robinson Warning As Govt Slashes Aid Budget
Former Irish President has warned world leaders they have an obligation to deal with the global food crisis as the Government slashes its international aid. Speaking at a seminar in Dublin marking the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, Mary Robinson said that food is a human right to which every woman, man and child is entitled.
Robinson Warning As Govt Slashes Aid Budget
Former Irish President has warned world leaders they have an obligation to deal with the global food crisis as the Government slashes its international aid. Speaking at a seminar in Dublin marking the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, Mary Robinson said that food is a human right to which every woman, man and child is entitled.
18 November 2010
'Don't Rush Budget', Says McGuinness
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'Don't Rush Budget', Says McGuinness
It has emerged that the North's Executive Ministers are to review progress on budget discussions this afternoon - with a report from Stormont's own specialised review committee expected to be presented. Earlier, the First Minister Peter Robinson's insistence on the need for the Executive to agree a budget quickly came in for criticism.
09 February 2010
Justice Minister And Parading Talks Open
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Northern political leaders will meet later this morning to discuss nominations for the position of Justice Minister. Nominations for the post officially opened yesterday, however a scheduled meeting between party leaders was postponed to allow the province's MPs to participate in a Commons discussion.
07 December 2009
Publish North's Justice Letter, Says McGuinness
Martin McGuinness has challenged Peter Robinson to publish a letter his party reportedly sent to Downing Street outlining policing and justice 'preconditions'. The Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister's call came after Mr Robinson insisted further devolution is not about equality, rather "what is best for Northern Ireland".
Publish North's Justice Letter, Says McGuinness
Martin McGuinness has challenged Peter Robinson to publish a letter his party reportedly sent to Downing Street outlining policing and justice 'preconditions'. The Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister's call came after Mr Robinson insisted further devolution is not about equality, rather "what is best for Northern Ireland".
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Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry and bright day, particularly over southern counties through the afternoon. However, a few scattered showers, these mainly in the north and east and wintry over the hills. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry with some clear spells over southern counties. A few showers around the north and east coasts, largely dying out overnight. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
