Robinson Prompts Council Inquiry

Members of Castlereagh Council will outline the terms of an inquiry into allegations over financial dealings by Iris Robinson later.

Mrs Robinson, a borough Alderman, (pictured here with her husband 'former' NI First Minister, Peter) is accused of accepting donations without reporting them to the correct authorities. It is alleged she secured £50,000 from two developers to fund a business owned by her former lover.

Mrs Robinson sat in the council chamber when the lease for the Lock Keeper's Inn was awarded to the then 19-year-old Kirk McCambley.

The Strangford MP and MLA conducted an extramarital relationship with Mr McCambley, the son of a deceased family friend.

Mrs Robinson broke the law by not declaring her financial interest in the venture.

Revelations regarding her personal and political life came to light last week.

Mrs Robinson's husband Peter, First Minister and DUP Leader, vowed to stand by her prior to the broadcast of BBC Spotlight which exposed the alleged dealings.

Alliance councillors in Castlereagh have written to the Northern Ireland Comptroller and Auditor General, requesting an independent inquiry into the alleged political misconduct.

Meanwhile, one of the developers who gave £25,000 to Mr McCambley via Mrs Robinson has admitted being a one-tine donor to the DUP.

Ken Campbell said he contributed between £4,000 and £5,000 to the party several years ago.

He said no money was ever passed to the Robinsons directly.

Another £25,000 to support Mr McCambley's south Belfast cafe was obtained by Mrs Robinson through deceased builder Fred Fraser.

The BBC alleged Mrs Robinson kept £5,000 to herself, and later demanded Mr McCambley pay back all the monies, once their romantic relationship ended.

Lawyers for Mr Campbell have insisted he is still owed £5,000 of the "interest-free" loan by Mr McCambley.

(PR/BMcC)