First Minister Peter Robinson last night hit back at the standards watchdog after being told to publish legal advice he was given about his wife’s finances.

Mr Robinson said it was “unwise” for Sir Christopher Kelly to be drawn into the issue, after being told that questions would remain until the information was made public.

The DUP leader stood down as First Minister after claims in a BBC documentary that he had failed to report his wife Iris’s financial dealings to the authorities, despite obligations under the ministerial code. But Mr Robinson said legal advice showed no breach had happened.

Sir Christopher, who addressed members of the Assembly’s standards and privileges committee yesterday afternoon, said doubt remained until that advice was made public.

“I think there must remain a doubt until the reported information is published. This is an area where transparency is important,” he said.

However, in a statement last night, Mr Robinson expressed his disappointment at the comments.

“I am somewhat disappointed that Sir Christopher Kelly has allowed himself to be drawn into commentary around the issue of publication of legal opinion sought by the Departmental Solicitors Office from Senior Crown Counsel,” he said.