DUP LEADER and First Minister Peter Robinson returned to Stormont yesterday for the first time since he told of his wife’s affair and her attempt to kill herself.
Mr Robinson appeared at Stormont Castle after holding meetings with staff at both his and his wife’s constituency offices as well as at DUP headquarters.
The Irish and British governments are particularly keen to see political business resumed between Sinn Féin and the DUP at Stormont.
Mr Robinson held talks with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on the stalled and controversial transfer of policing and justice powers. The talks broke up last night amid crowing Sinn Fein frustration and without progress.
A Sinn Fein spokesman said his party’s negotiating team had been established in the expectation of a serious session and had informed the DUP that members were willing to stay late last night and return today to discuss outstanding issues.
“These issues are not Sinn Féin issues, they are part of the St Andrews Agreement, the DUP signed up to this agreement, the [Irish and British] governments are obliged to act as guarantors,” he said.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was also seen at Stormont, the first time he has been seen there since the Christmas break and revelations regarding his own family.
Senior ranking DUP members and Ministers, some of whom met Mr Robinson yesterday, have rallied around their party leader offering messages of support and quashing any talk of an alternative leader.
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said: “I have known Peter Robinson and his family for more than 30 years. I cannot remember any other occasion when there has been such a massive outpouring of love, support and best-wishes towards them from right throughout the community.
“I know that it took massive personal bravery for Peter to come before the cameras and share the details of his private life. What Peter and Iris and their family are going through at the present time is a personal tragedy and needs to be respected as such.
“They deserve space and privacy. I would urge those in the media seeking to chase headlines to show some human compassion and decency. Peter Robinson is the foremost strategist in unionism. Under his leadership, Northern Ireland’s place has been made more secure inside the United Kingdom. As he works for our community and leads the DUP, he has the total and absolute support of all his colleagues, and I believe the greater number of people in this province.”
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster added: “No one in Northern Ireland possesses the same leadership qualities and vision like that of Peter Robinson.”
His contribution to Northern Ireland has been immeasurable and no one could question his determination, courage and dedication to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland in a professional manner.”
Jeffrey Donaldson said: “The statement made by the party leader and First Minister can have left no one in any doubt as to not only Peter’s devotion to his family, but his ability and determination to work for the people of Northern Ireland.”
He added: “All political representatives are entitled to private space, but I believe the public, having already recognised the leadership and vision he has given to Northern Ireland during difficult times, will have a greater understanding of that when they now know other issues he was dealing with during some of those days.
Upper Bann MP David Simpson said: “There are political discussions taking place at the present time and there is no one better equipped within unionism than Peter Robinson to lead for our community. ”.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said that while the Robinsons may face further questions “these will have to be dealt with in their turn”.
“In the meantime we should not be prevented from getting on with our shared public responsibilities,” he said.
“Rather than soaking in speculation and rumour about more personal matters, the political process needs to end the uncertainty which is hurting so many services and sectors here,” he said.