DUP MPs Will Quit Assembly Seats

The North's First Minister has said that all DUP MLAs returned to Westminster at the forthcoming General Election will resign from the Stormont Assembly.

However, this will not include the party leader, Peter Robinson, who will be the exception. The East Belfast MP said it was important the leader of Unionism remained in both the Commons and at Stormont.

Mr Robinson, (pictured above) is the province's First Minister, and made his comments yesterday at the unveiling of the DUP's own election manifesto in Belfast.

During his speech, he conceded some Unionist were still trying to come to terms with Sinn Fein's presence at the heart of Government.

"I know that despite the progress many Unionists are still struggling to come to terms with the idea of Sinn Fein in Government.

He said: "I know that. I understand it. It is a reality that I have to deal with every day."

Mr Robinson took his aim squarely at former DUP colleague and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister, who he branded a Republican 'stooge'.

Mr Allister is a vocal opponent of the mandatory coalition at the Assembly, and left the DUP in protest at its decision to enter into Government with Sinn Fein.

"The TUV is Sinn Fein’s secret weapon for topping the poll," said the DUP boss.

"Gerry Adams could not succeed in this quest without the help of Jim Allister. Jim is Gerry's stooge."

Mr Robinson apologised for the actions of all MPs over the Parliamentary expenses furore.

"No politician from any party comes out of this [the expenses scandal] with credit. We focused and concentrated on other political issues and have to accept that we did not act to alter the systemic defects surrounding the issue of expenses.

"We all need to be contrite and apologise for our failure to act," said Mr Robinson.

He also made a renewed appeal for Unionist unity at the General Election, in a bid to secure two seat currently occupied by Nationalist.

But Mr Robinson warned times is running out to potentially oust the incumbent MPs in South Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

"I make no apology for making every effort to bring Unionists together," he said.

"At this election the potential exists to win back two seats from Nationalists. It is still not too late, but frankly time is running out."

Mr Robinson said with the prospect of a hung Parliament, the DUP had decided the party leader should remain at Westminster.

"While personally I made no secret of the fact that I would have been content to concentrate on the Assembly I understand the access that comes with being a Member of Parliament is important for the leader of Unionism, whoever that is," he said.

"In addition all our MPs and Ministers will stand down from local government."

(PR/GK)