REACTION:EFFORTS TO bring about justice and policing devolution from Westminster to Stormont will continue, despite the decision of Northern Ireland First Minister, Mr Peter Robinson to stand down from his post for six weeks, the British Government has said.
However, Mr Robinson’s decision was greeted with silence by senior British figures for hours after the announcement was made yesterday, and when one came shortly before 10pm it contained no note of personal encouragement for the DUP leader.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “I have spoken to Arlene Foster this evening. I urge all politicians in Northern Ireland, whatever the turbulence of recent events, to remain focused on the business of government, and to recognise the crucial importance of intensifying engagement in those issues which remain to be solved.”
Questioned shortly before this statement was issued, a spokesman for Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Mr Shaun Woodward said the devolution efforts would “go on”, and he noted the continuing engagement of the DUP and Sinn Féin.
He noted that Mr Robinson has issues that he “needs to deal with, but it is important that the work of government continues. That is where we are at,” Mr Woodward’s spokesman said last night.
Speaking before Mr Robinson’s decision Mr Brown’s spokesman would not even go so far as to confirm if Mr Robinson was one “of the northern party leaders spoken to by Mr Brown last night.
The reluctance to comment quickly is partly explained by the British government’s need to be sure that last night’s BBC Panorama programme about the financial affairs of Mr Robinson and his wife, Iris did not produce further issues.
There are considerable doubts about Mr Robinson’s ability to survive in the longer term, and, indeed, growing concerns that the crisis could raise questions about the very existence of the Stormont political institutions.
A government spokesman insisted that the Prime Minister remained focused on making progress on the devolution of justice and security powers from Westminster to Stormont.
Privately, some British quarters expressed doubt that a full parliamentary investigation could occur, and be completed within the six weeks for which Mr Robinson will stand down under the rules setting up the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
The controversy that has engulfed Mr Robinson has cast major doubt upon Downing Street’s long-held belief that devolution could happen well before the British election takes place, most likely in May.