REACTION:THE TAOISEACH said yesterday that work must continue on quickly resolving the impasse over devolved policing and justice powers to the Northern Executive despite the difficulties caused by Mr Robinson's personal crisis.
In a statement issued last night, Mr Cowen said: “I want to pass on my best wishes to Peter Robinson and his family as they deal with very difficult personal issues at this time.
“I welcome his decision to continue to work on the crucial issue of devolution of policing and justice and his commitment to a successful resolution. I also offer best wishes to Arlene Foster in her new role.”
The Taoiseach said that following the attack on Constable Peadar Heffron last week “the political leaders of Northern Ireland now need to focus on the stability of the democratic institutions and on continuing to move forward to a better future for the entire community.
“...Of course, I respect the right of the parties and the elected representatives in the Northern Ireland institutions to deal with the matters that have arisen in recent days and to make their own decisions.
“But I also fully recognise the duty of everyone, including the two governments, to protect the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and to ensure that they continue to develop and to serve the community.
“I believe it is now essential that there is swift progress, in the coming days, on the devolution of policing and justice. That is in the interests of all of the parties and all of the people they represent.
“Obviously this is a very difficult time for the Robinson family and our best wishes go to them at this difficult time.”
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the focus must now revert to resolving the outstanding differences that divide the Executive, and the DUP and Sinn Féin. “The issue of devolution of policing and justice powers must be addressed as soon as possible.”
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said Mr Robinson’s decision yesterday was very much a matter for him and for his party.
“At a personal level I feel sorry for the circumstances in which he and Mrs Robinson have found themselves in. I sincerely hope that it does not cause any dilution of the political situation in Northern Ireland.”