DUP Backs Robinson As Foster Takes Reins

Arlene Foster is to assume the role of Northern Ireland First Minister for six weeks, it was confirmed this afternoon.

The move came after DUP Assembly members offered their "wholehearted support" to embattled DUP Leader Peter Robinson.

He will pass ministerial responsibility to Ms Foster, the current Enterprise Minister, for the maximum six week in accordance with Assembly rules.

After this period, any changes must be referred back to the assembly for ratification.

Mr Robinson has come under mounting pressure to resign following an investigation into his wife's personal and political conduct.

Iris Robinson, who was ousted from the DUP on Saturday, is currently receiving "acute psychiatric treatment" at a Belfast hospital.

Last week BBC Spotlight revealed she had taken donations to support her lover's business venture without officially declaring the money to Stormont or Westminster.

Two cheques totalling £50,000 were given to 19-year-old Kirk McCambley from two private developers. The monies were later paid back.

Prior to the programme being broadcast Mrs Robinson admitted to having an extramarital affair and making a subsequent suicide attempt.

Mr Robinson vowed to stand by his wife, stressing he would continue in office.

Today Democratic Unionist MLAs expressed their "desire for him to remain" as party leader.

Mr Dodds, DUP Deputy Leader, said party officials in Stormont, Westminster and Europe had given their backing to Mr Robinson's continued leadership.

Ian Paisley and Ian Junior, as well as Peter Weir, George Robinson and Ian McCrea remained in the debating chamber while Mr Dodds led fellow MLAs into a press conference in the Stormont lobby.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson was not present, as he was taking ministerial questions at the time, but earlier professed his support for Mr Robinson on BBC Radio.

However, questions have been raised over the DUP chief's knowledge of his wife's dealings.

Mr Robinson has strenuously denied any wrongdoing on his part.

Government lawyers have been drafted in by the Office of First and Deputy First Minister to look at the matter.

The First Minister said he would "not be slow" to act if it is found he behaved improperly.

Leaders of Northern Ireland's main parties have raised concerns over Mr Robinson's authority to lead and the legal opinion sought.

Sinn Féin has petitioned Stormont Speaker Willie Hay to grant an Assembly questions session with the First Minister today.

Former UUP Leader and First Minister David Trimble yesterday said he expects Mr Robinson to stand down within the "next few days".

"To have a situation where a party leader sees his wife expelled from the party and acquiesces in it, doesn't even persuade the party to give her a decent way out, shows there has been a complete loss of authority," he said.

A spokesman for the DUP last night confirmed Mrs Robinson was receiving medical treatment from the Belfast Health Trust.

They dismissed reports the Strangford MP and MLA had jetted out to the French Alps.

She is expected to step down from her elected offices this week.

DUP founder, and firebrand Free Presbyterian Minister, Ian Paisley has refused to comment on the ongoing furore within his party.

However, friend and fellow clergyman David McIlveen said Mr Robinson's position had become "untenable".

Mr McIlveen said he was not speaking on behalf of his church or Mr Paisley.

(PR/BMcC)