Robinson to step aside 'for six weeks'
FIRST Minister Peter Robinson is to step aside from office for six weeks, it has been confirmed.
The DUP leader, who earlier on Monday received the "wholehearted support" from party colleagues, has appointed ministerial colleague, Arlene Foster, as his replacement for the interim period.
The move, following mounting pressure on Mr Robinson over revelations of his wife's alleged financial affairs, was confirmed by Assembly speaker William Hay.
He said: I wish to inform the House that I have received written notice from the First Minister, Peter Robinson, that under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 he has designated Mrs Arlene Foster to exercise the functions of the office of First Minister.
"The designation takes immediate effect."
Mrs Foster is expected to retain her responsibility for enterprise, trade and investment.
She confirmed her new role in a statement to MLAs in the Assembly chamber.
In a statement, Mr Robinson confirmed he would continue "to work on the outstanding issues relating to policing and justice and some other matters".
A serving First Minister can designate a fellow minister to exercise the functions of that office for a period of up to six weeks, under the terms of the St Andrew's Agreement.
Earlier, flanked by Assembly colleagues, including former leader Ian Paisley, in the Great Hall at Stormont, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds read a prepared statement to the assembled Press pledging support to Mr Robinson.
DUP party officers and MLAs met on Monday morning to discuss the current situation.
Individual party members already publicly supported their leader in the ongoing media onslaught.
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has argued that Stormont could collapse if the First Minister is removed, while Arlene Foster and Jim Wells also used radio interviews to support their leader.
DUP party president James McClure said Mr Robinson remained the best man to lead unionism.
"I believe he (Mr Robinson) is still the man who can deliver for unionism as First Minister of Northern Ireland.
"The strides forward this Province has taken in recent times is in no small way due to the solid leadership of Peter Robinson."
Mr Robinson has vowed to clear his name after BBC Spotlight alleged he knew his wife obtained money from two developers and did not alert the relevant authorities.
According to the programme, Iris Robinson received 50,000 to assist her young lover set up a business project in south Belfast.
It has emerged that Mrs Robinson is currently receiving "acute psychiatric treatment" from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
A BBC Panorama investigation into the Robinsons will be shown across the UK in a prime-time slot on Monday night, heaping further pressure on the DUP.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
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