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    Peter Robinson defiant as opponents call for action

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    Member News

    The NASUWT comments on Sinn Fein manifesto

    NASUWT comments on the SDLP manifesto

    8th January 2010

    The first minister of Northern Ireland has sought to defuse concerns about his alleged failure to report his wife's business dealings to the proper authorities.

    Last night BBC Northern Ireland broadcast a documentary in which a 21-year-old man claimed he had a sexual relationship with DUP MP Iris Robinson when he was 19.

    Kirk McCambley said he launched a cafe with £50,000 from developers - the deal was arranged by Mrs Robinson, wife of the first minister.

    He claimed she later asked him for £5,000 "for herself" and demanded the entire loan back when the affair ended.

    She did not declare the £50,000 in the register of members' interest at Westminster or in the Northern Ireland Asssembly, where she represents Strangford.

    McCambley, now 21, revealed that "a sexual relationship began in the summer of 2008".

    The Spotlight programme also reported that her husband Peter Robinson, MP for Belfast East and leader of the DUP, "became aware of the money she had received from the developers" and pressured her into returning it, but did not inform the authorities, "despite being obliged to act in the public interest by the ministerial code".

    Today he said there should be "no question of impropriety" and a senior lawyer "will be asked to look at the programme, to ask me any questions he or she wishes to ask, and to give an opinion as to what I should have disclosed or whether I have breached an obligation".

    "I don't believe that I have done anything wrong," he said.

    "I have acted properly at all times. I have subjected myself to investigation.

    "I am prepared publicly to allow the outcome of that investigation to be known."

    In December Iris Robinson announced she is to withdraw from public life and revealed she has been suffering from mental illness.

    On Wednesday she issued a statement in which she admitted she had had an affair and "encouraged" friends to help her lover's business.

    Mrs Robinson also revealed she had tried to commit suicide after the affair ended.

    Mr Robinson then gave an emotional interview to journalists in which he said he only learned about the relationship on March 1, the day his wife tried to kill herself, and he had considered leaving her but had decided to give the marriage another chance.

    They got married in 1970 and have three children.

    Today the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Sir Reg Empey, called on Mrs Robinson "to resign all her positions with immediate effect".

    "It is necessary that Castlereagh Borough Council immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the leasing of the Lock Keeper's Cottage and related matters."

    He said "very serious allegations" have been made in the BBC broadcast about the conduct of the first minister.

    "Inevitably the appropriate authorities will be required to investigate the allegations."

    SDLP leader Mark Durkan said it is "clear" that Iris Robinson should stand down from her public roles "forthwith".

    "Serious questions must now be asked of Peter Robinson and 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," he added.

    "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."

    The DUP has faced a challenge in recent years from a new unionist group, Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), and may face a tough fight in Mrs Robinson's Strangford seats in the Commons and the Assembly.

    TUV leader Jim Allister said: "Following the Spotlight programme, there are public interest questions which now must be investigated and addressed with utter transparency and candour.

    "The history and ease of obtaining funds from developers is one such area requiring thorough investigation and explanation."

    Sinn Fein, who share power with the DUP in the Stormont government, have yet to comment.

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