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11/09/2015
First Minister Peter Robinson Steps Down
Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson has announced he will "step aside" from his role and his colleague Arlene Foster will take over as temporary First Minister.
The majority of his ministers have also resigned.
He made the announcement after his bid to have the Stormont assembly adjourned was rejected in the wake of a murder linked to the IRA. Three senior republicans were arrested in connection with the murder on Wednesday, including Sinn Féin's chairman Bobby Storey, however they have been released unconditionally.
Mr Robinson said recent developments in the case had "pushed devolution to the brink".
Prime Minister David Cameron said he is "gravely concerned" and has spoken to Peter Robinson.
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said the risks has been created by the failings of Sinn Féin and the DUP.
He said: "Together they have damaged confidence, the institutions, good government and the fundamental values of the Good Friday Agreement.
"The SDLP are not in the business of giving cover for or working to DUP or Sinn Fein agendas. We are in the business of defending and delivering upon the promise of the Good Friday Agreement and ensuring that these institutions work for the good of our people. We will continue to stand up for these institutions. It is disgraceful that others would seek to jeopardise them. But that is their decision and they must be held responsible for it."
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, said he regrets the decision of the DUP.
Mr Flanagan said: "What we want is for the devolved power-sharing Executive and Assembly to work as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement and deliver peace, prosperity and reconciliation for the people of Northern Ireland."
He concluded: "I encourage all parties to reflect carefully. The Secretary of State and I will be here in Stormont House on Monday morning and I invite the parties to join us for discussions on how we find a way through the current serious impasse. We will of course remain available to the parties over the weekend."
(CD)
The majority of his ministers have also resigned.
He made the announcement after his bid to have the Stormont assembly adjourned was rejected in the wake of a murder linked to the IRA. Three senior republicans were arrested in connection with the murder on Wednesday, including Sinn Féin's chairman Bobby Storey, however they have been released unconditionally.
Mr Robinson said recent developments in the case had "pushed devolution to the brink".
Prime Minister David Cameron said he is "gravely concerned" and has spoken to Peter Robinson.
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said the risks has been created by the failings of Sinn Féin and the DUP.
He said: "Together they have damaged confidence, the institutions, good government and the fundamental values of the Good Friday Agreement.
"The SDLP are not in the business of giving cover for or working to DUP or Sinn Fein agendas. We are in the business of defending and delivering upon the promise of the Good Friday Agreement and ensuring that these institutions work for the good of our people. We will continue to stand up for these institutions. It is disgraceful that others would seek to jeopardise them. But that is their decision and they must be held responsible for it."
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, said he regrets the decision of the DUP.
Mr Flanagan said: "What we want is for the devolved power-sharing Executive and Assembly to work as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement and deliver peace, prosperity and reconciliation for the people of Northern Ireland."
He concluded: "I encourage all parties to reflect carefully. The Secretary of State and I will be here in Stormont House on Monday morning and I invite the parties to join us for discussions on how we find a way through the current serious impasse. We will of course remain available to the parties over the weekend."
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
