Peter Robinson retakes the helm

Robinson resumes first minister role

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.