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| DUP leader Peter Robinson has resumed his role as Northern Ireland first minister. | DUP leader Peter Robinson has resumed his role as Northern Ireland first minister. |
| In January, he announced he was stepping down after allegations in a BBC Spotlight programme that he had broken the Stormont ministerial code. | In January, he announced he was stepping down after allegations in a BBC Spotlight programme that he had broken the Stormont ministerial code. |
| Mr Robinson designated Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to take charge. | |
| He said he had now received legal advice he did not breach the code or the principles governing those involved in public life. | He said he had now received legal advice he did not breach the code or the principles governing those involved in public life. |
| Although the clause under which Peter Robinson handed over his responsibilities to Arlene Foster allowed for his absence for six weeks, he made it clear when he stepped aside that he did not intend to be out of office for that long. | Although the clause under which Peter Robinson handed over his responsibilities to Arlene Foster allowed for his absence for six weeks, he made it clear when he stepped aside that he did not intend to be out of office for that long. |
| The BBC Spotlight programme claimed that in not reporting his wife Iris's financial dealings to the relevant authorities, Mr Robinson had broken the code which governs Stormont politicians. | The BBC Spotlight programme claimed that in not reporting his wife Iris's financial dealings to the relevant authorities, Mr Robinson had broken the code which governs Stormont politicians. |
| But Mr Robinson said the barrister Paul Maguire had conducted a comprehensive examination of the issues raised in the programme and had concluded there were no breaches of the Ministerial Code, pledge of office or the seven principles of public life. | But Mr Robinson said the barrister Paul Maguire had conducted a comprehensive examination of the issues raised in the programme and had concluded there were no breaches of the Ministerial Code, pledge of office or the seven principles of public life. |
| Mr Robinson said he was glad that at what he calls a critical time he can resume his job as First Minister with confidence. | Mr Robinson said he was glad that at what he calls a critical time he can resume his job as First Minister with confidence. |
| A police investigation has already been launched into the Spotlight revelations and until that is completed an Assembly Standards Committee inquiry is on hold. | A police investigation has already been launched into the Spotlight revelations and until that is completed an Assembly Standards Committee inquiry is on hold. |
| Mr Robinson said once these stages were complete he would determine what legal action he should take against the BBC and others. | Mr Robinson said once these stages were complete he would determine what legal action he should take against the BBC and others. |
| In a statement on Wednesday , the BBC said it stood by the Spotlight programme. |