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Investigation urged by Robinson’s opponents
Friday, 8 January 2010
Peter Robinson’s political opponents have demanded an investigation over allegations of professional misconduct.
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey called for Iris Robinson’s immediate resignation following shock allegations made in last night’s Spotlight investigation.
He said: “It is clear to me that Iris Robinson's continuing position as an MP, MLA and councillor is utterly untenable. She should resign all her positions with immediate effect.
“It is necessary that Castlereagh Borough Council immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the leasing of the Lock Keeper’s Cottage and related matters.
“Finally, it is also unfortunately the case that the office of the First Minister is now embroiled in these matters. The Ulster Unionist Party will study the events outlined by Spotlight and the very serious allegations that have been made with regards to the conduct of the First Minister.
“Inevitably the appropriate authorities will be required to investigate the allegations made against the First Minister.”
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister added: “I have no interest in commenting on the personal difficulties afflicting the Robinson family, but, following the Spotlight programme, there are public interest questions which now must be investigated and addressed with utter transparency and candour.
The history and ease of obtaining funds from developers is one such area requiring thorough investigation and explanation,” he said.
Last night many of the senior figures within the DUP declined to comment on the Robinson revelations. Jeffrey Donaldson said he was waiting for the party headquarters to respond while Gregory Campbell, Nigel Dodds, Arlene Foster and Mervyn Storey were unavailable.
Both Sinn Fein and the Alliance Party said they would not be making a statement last night.
Meanwhile, DUP councillor in Castlereagh Jack Beattie, who chaired the economic development committee that approved Kirk McCambley’s application for the Lock Keeper’s Inn said the council had done “nothing wrong”.
Equating the saga to an episode from the EastEnders soap opera, Mr Beattie who sat alongside Iris and Peter Robinson in the council chamber at Upper Galwally said: “I was amazed at the news. We knew nothing of this. I was watching with sheer disbelief.
“It has completely taken the wind out of our sails. No councillor from any party was privy to any of that. The y would never have believed it.
“No member of the council has done anything wrong.”
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good old Northern Ireland, eh? It's all about who you know (or who you're sleeping with), not what you know or if you have any real talent...
Having been unemployed and actively looking for work suitable to my qualifications for over a year, it now seems that the only way I'll get a job is if I track down and seduce my local politician..
I'm so sick of this godforsaken country, it's corrupt politics, murderers and philanders.
Posted by rose | 08.01.10, 17:11 GMT
Mr Beattie is astonished! amazed even!!!
A strong use of superlatives in his statement.
Every single member of that chamber should be investigated to reassure the public.
The gloves are at long last off.
Posted by MS | 08.01.10, 13:55 GMT
billyboy, I believe Martin McGuinness has called for an urgent meeting with his joint chief Peter Robinson. Besides. what relevance has this got to do with Sinn Fein? Are you looking for some statement of support or condemnation for the improprietaries of Iris?
I believe Sinn Fein has commented just as much other parties on all of this apparent sordid mess.
If you thought that Sinn Fein would try to profit from the Robinsons' misfortune, think again. Surely that would be more the tactic used by the likes of Jim Allister.
Posted by Ulysses32 | 08.01.10, 13:14 GMT
DUP councillor in Castlereagh Jack Beattie - MUST have been misquoted. “No member of the council has done anything wrong.” !! Iris for a start!!
Posted by Barry | 08.01.10, 13:09 GMT
they each take a combined salary of 500,000 and additional earnings.Thats not a bad pay day for all those years of nonsense spoken by them.
Posted by yerman | 08.01.10, 13:07 GMT
As a traditional Unionist who has watched with amazement the rise of the DUP how is it that I am not at all amazed now? The veneer of rightousness has melted to reveal the wrinkles of a sad and deluded 60 year old woman. Now is the time for full and thorough investigation into all planning applications.
Posted by Loulou | 08.01.10, 10:34 GMT
Why is Stormont SF so quiet on this? Hmm. Call me a cynic, but Gerry's wee brother wouldn't have something to do with it? Hurry up, PSNI, We are all watching closely what you do here...
Posted by billyboy | 08.01.10, 09:31 GMT
Its sad that it seems no one apart from the injured party in all this Peter Robinson believes in forgiveness any more. As usual the knifes are out and those pointing the fingers own galling and wicked failings remain concealed until the day of their unmasking. And with their lack of forgiveness they needn't expect any forgiveness when their day of reckoning comes!! Judge not that you be not judged.
Posted by dave | 08.01.10, 09:06 GMT
I think an investigation is needed into both Peter and Iris' affairs. After they do this, I think that an impartial investigation is needed into planning in Northern Ireland, and who really approves such planning. How unfair to think that someone else out there might have wanted to take ownership of that cottage and they weren't allowed to because of what she did. According to other blogs/websites I've read tonight, the DUP have good and strong links with property developers .. All too convenient, eh?
Posted by MARTIN | 08.01.10, 05:39 GMT