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| Peter Robinson denies Poots' claim he plans to stand down | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| First Minister Peter Robinson has denied he has any plans to stand down. | |
| Mr Robinson issued a statement on Wednesday after senior DUP politician Edwin Poots claimed he would leave the top job before the assembly elections. | |
| "Neither now, nor before the assembly election, have I any plans to stand down," Mr Robinson said. | |
| "The public and media can be confident that when I decide such a moment has arrived I will be the one to make the announcement." | |
| He added: "I repeat the comments I have previously made that I will continue to lead as long as the party and the electorate in East Belfast wish me to do so." | |
| In 2013, the DUP leader said he intended to lead his party throughout the forthcoming elections. | In 2013, the DUP leader said he intended to lead his party throughout the forthcoming elections. |
| The first minister announced a DUP reshuffle on Tuesday. | |
| Edwin Poots was replaced by Jim Wells MLA as health minister, while social development minister, Nelson McCausland, stepped down as Mervyn Storey took on the role. | |
| Mr Poots made his claim about Mr Robinson standing down BBC Radio Ulster's Stephen Nolan programme on Wednesday morning. | |
| Earlier this month, Peter Robinson said Stormont was "no longer fit for purpose". | Earlier this month, Peter Robinson said Stormont was "no longer fit for purpose". |