Peter Robinson back as First Minister after probe finds 'no breaches'

Published on Wednesday 3 February 2010 21:25

UNDER-PRESSURE DUP leader Peter Robinson resumed his role as Northern Ireland's First Minister last night after saying he had been cleared of breaching his code of office over the financial scandal surrounding his wife, Iris.

Mr Robinson, who is locked in crucial talks to save the Stormont power-sharing government, stepped down temporarily from the job last month after Mrs Robinson secured 50,000 to set her teenage lover up in business.

Last night Mr Robinson said a legal review had ruled he had not breached his ministerial code over allegations raised in a BBC television programme that he should have told the authorities of his wife's financial dealings.

Confirming that he was replacing temporary first minister Arlene Foster, he said: "I welcome the QC's detailed advice which follows a thorough and comprehensive examination of all the issues raised in the Spotlight programme that, on the material provided, his considered view was that there were no breaches whatsoever by me of the Ministerial Code, the Ministerial Code of Conduct, the Pledge of Office and the seven principles of public life."

Mr Robinson stepped down on 11 January, saying his absence could last as long as six weeks while the legal review began the process of clearing his name. He said the period would also allow him space to support his family and to work on talks to find a devolution deal with Sinn Fein.

In last night's statement, Mr Robinson said of the review by QC Paul Maguire: "His advice supports my consistent contention that I have acted at all times properly and in full compliance with my public duties."

He still faces parliamentary probes, and the police are reviewing the claims against his wife, the former MP for Strangford.