ANALYSIS: Mild praise for such a major figure
THAT Peter Robinson sent his first statement about Dr Paisley's retirement after Mr Allister scorned his silence — and another within three hours of that criticism — merely drew attention to the irregularity.
Both the DUP and the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister have press offices, so Mr Robinson's failure to comment could have been interpreted as calculated.
Yesterday, for instance, a statement from Mr Robinson in his capacity as First Minister commented on a new TV series being filmed in Northern Ireland.
His comments on the filming of 'A Game of Thrones' seemed as enthusiastic as those being made about the man who once occupied his DUP throne.
Even Mr Allister had some praise for the North Antrim MP as a "towering Parliamentarian" in his earlier years, before going on to criticise his recent record.
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness spoke warmly about his one-time foe, saying that both men had "become friends" and wishing him well in retirement.
Mr Robinson's statement noted the factual position, stating that "this announcement marks the end of an era in Westminster politics" and the party would mark the "milestone" in due course.
Even his praise of Dr Paisley, where he said that "receiving the support of a constituency for 40 years in Parliament...is a significant one", appeared mild towards a man who formed and built the party Mr Robinson now leads.
In his second statement, Mr Robinson recognised the "enormous contribution made by Dr Paisley to North Antrim," but the remainder of his comments focused on the North Antrim election battle and denouncing Mr Allister.
However, a problem with second-guessing statements was illustrated when Mr Robinson came under fire for his silence on Cahal Daly's death. It later emerged that he was embroiled in personal crises at the time.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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