Robinson resumes first minister role
By politics.co.uk staff
Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Peter Robinson is back as Northern Ireland’s first minister, after claiming his wife’s scandal did not pose a legal threat to him.
Allegations about former Stormont assembly member Iris Robinson’s financial and sexual activities with a 19-year-old had led to claims Mr Robinson had acted improperly.
But in a statement the DUP leader said legal advice had indicated he could resume his role.
“I am… glad that at this critical time I can resume fully the functions of my office with confidence,” he said.
Mr Robinson temporarily stood aside on January 11th, handing powers to enterprise minister Arlene Foster for a maximum of six weeks.
During his time away from Stormont he continued to work on negotiations with Sinn Fein about the devolution of policing and justice powers, however.
Talks hit a crisis point last week but an agreement is expected shortly, despite last-minute concerns about the timing of the handover from Westminster to Stormont.
