REACTION:COMMENTATORS WERE initially sympathetic to the personal plight of the Robinsons following Wednesday's dramatic statement by the First Minister, but the mood had perceptibly changed by yesterday morning after the broadcasting of the BBC Spotlightprogramme.
While party political responses appeared to be hardening, there was no immediate response from Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward or from Downing Street.
The DUP responded initially to the BBC programme with a party statement which said: "Following allegations made about Peter Robinson in the BBC's Spotlightprogramme on Thursday 7th January 2010, Mr Robinson will be consulting his legal team on Friday."
This was followed early yesterday by a statement in Mr Robinson's name. "I completely reject BBC Spotlight's attempt to implicate me by insinuation and innuendo," he said.
"I am even more appalled by the inclusion on that programme of comments and conclusions made without any supporting facts – indeed with facts in the programme which support a contrary position. While I have learned from Spotlightfor the first time some alleged aspects of my wife's affair and her financial arrangements, I will be resolutely defending attacks on my character and contesting any allegations of wrongdoing."
Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he was “shocked” by the programme’s revelations. “I have sought an urgent meeting with the First Minister to discuss the implications for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister,” he said.
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said Ms Robinson should stop claiming parliamentary privileges and allowances immediately and that her position as MP and Assembly member were untenable.
He said the matter was of “deep concern to all those concerned with the integrity of political life and the democratic process”.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan called for investigations into Mr Robinson’s affairs and said Ms Robinson must resign from her public roles immediately.
“It will be up to him to now prove that the issues raised do not affect his ability or suitability to carry out his public office.
“If Peter Robinson is to be brave, it is imperative that he calls for proper investigations to take place, otherwise it would appear his position as First Minister is questionable.
“Questions will also be posed now by officials at Castlereagh Council and I would expect the local government auditor will be taking a very close interest.”
Castlereagh Council had always been a showcase for the DUP as its model of best practice, he said.
He said there were “serious political issues that the public need addressed and it is all our responsibility as politicians to ensure that the events of the past few days do not cause any further distraction or delay getting on with good public business”.
Alliance leader David Ford agreed that Ms Robinson should resign forthwith: “Iris Robinson must resign as an MP, MLA and councillor immediately. The revelations within the Spotlight programme have sent shockwaves across Northern Ireland.
“The BBC must give all the information they have to the appropriate authorities. Peter Robinson must now make a statement addressing all the issues included in the documentary,” he added.
“Given the current political problems between the DUP and Sinn Féin, it is important that every measure possible is taken to safeguard the Assembly and political progress. Irrespective of what else is happening, politicians must remain focused on the need for dialogue between all parties at this time.”
Sir Alistair Graham, the former chairman of the committee on standards in public life at Westminster, said a major investigation into the allegations was called for.