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Robinson 'wanted' as DUP leader Robinson 'wanted' as DUP leader
(19 minutes later)
Peter Robinson is an "outstanding leader of unionism" who the DUP wants to keep as its leader, acting first minister Arlene Foster has said.Peter Robinson is an "outstanding leader of unionism" who the DUP wants to keep as its leader, acting first minister Arlene Foster has said.
Mr Robinson has stepped down for six weeks to care for his wife and clear his name amid claims over her finances.Mr Robinson has stepped down for six weeks to care for his wife and clear his name amid claims over her finances.
Mrs Foster said her time as head of the NI administration was temporary.Mrs Foster said her time as head of the NI administration 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."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.
She said that anyone in the party who was supporting the leader in public but saying they believed his position was untenable in off-the-record conversations to the press should "have the courage of their convictions and come out".She said that anyone in the party who was supporting the leader in public but saying they believed his position was untenable in off-the-record conversations to the press should "have the courage of their convictions and come out".
"He 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."He 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.
In Northern Ireland politics, when all options appear to lead to a dead end, there's always a secret passageway if you know where to look The BBC's Jim Fitzpatrick Devolution pushed further towards edge
On Monday night a BBC Panorama programme reported not all of the money received by Mrs Robinson's young lover has been paid back to a property developer.On Monday night a BBC Panorama programme reported not all of the money received by Mrs Robinson's young lover has been paid back to a property developer.
It is understood at least £5,000 has not been returned to Ken Campbell.It is understood at least £5,000 has not been returned to Ken Campbell.
The Northern Ireland assembly is to investigate the conduct of both Robinsons.The Northern Ireland assembly is to investigate the conduct of both Robinsons.
The Committee on Standards and Privileges said an investigation would be conducted to see if any breaches of the assembly's code had occurred.The Committee on Standards and Privileges said an investigation would be conducted to see if any breaches of the assembly's code had occurred.
Its chairman Declan O'Loan said: "It is clearly in the public interest that an official investigation is carried out in order to establish the full facts in relation to the issues raised in the BBC's recent Spotlight programme."Its chairman Declan O'Loan said: "It is clearly in the public interest that an official investigation is carried out in order to establish the full facts in relation to the issues raised in the BBC's recent Spotlight programme."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he had talked with Mrs Foster on Monday evening.Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he had talked with Mrs Foster on Monday evening.
Peter Robinson is stepping aside for six weeksPeter Robinson is stepping aside for six weeks
"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."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.
Earlier, the DUP assembly team said it offered Mr Robinson its "wholehearted support".Earlier, the DUP assembly team said it offered Mr Robinson its "wholehearted support".
Other NI political parties seemed less than convinced by the DUP's shuffling of its decks.Other NI political parties seemed less than convinced by the DUP's shuffling of its decks.
The DUP's chief critic Jim Allister said he suspected Mr Robinson's stepping aside may still be a precursor to his departure as DUP leader, whilst the Ulster Unionists claimed the appointment of Arlene Foster only intensified the crisis in public confidence in devolution.The DUP's chief critic Jim Allister said he suspected Mr Robinson's stepping aside may still be a precursor to his departure as DUP leader, whilst the Ulster Unionists claimed the appointment of Arlene Foster only intensified the crisis in public confidence in devolution.
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen welcomed Mr Robinson's decision to continue work on what he called the crucial issue of the devolution of justice and policing powers.Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen welcomed Mr Robinson's decision to continue work on what he called the crucial issue of the devolution of justice and policing powers.
There was a fresh round of talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue on Monday night, and more discussions are expected on Tuesday.There was a fresh round of talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue on Monday night, and more discussions are expected on Tuesday.
On her first full day in the first minister's office, Mrs Foster will not be allowed to forget she still has her responsibilities as enterprise minister to take care of - she is due to reply to an assembly debate on extending the natural gas network to east Antrim.On her first full day in the first minister's office, Mrs Foster will not be allowed to forget she still has her responsibilities as enterprise minister to take care of - she is due to reply to an assembly debate on extending the natural gas network to east Antrim.