Menu
26/03/2010
DUP MPs Will Quit Assembly Seats
All DUP MLAs returned to Westminster at the forthcoming General Election will resign from the Northern Ireland Assembly, the party leader has said.
However, Peter Robinson will be the exception. The East Belfast MP said it was important the leader of Unionism remained in both the Commons and at Stormont.
Mr Robinson, (pictured above) is the province's First Minister, and made his comments yesterday at the unveiling of the DUP's own election manifesto in Belfast.
During his speech, he conceded some Unionist were still trying to come to terms with Sinn Fein's presence at the heart of Government.
"I know that despite the progress many Unionists are still struggling to come to terms with the idea of Sinn Fein in Government.
He said: "I know that. I understand it. It is a reality that I have to deal with every day."
Mr Robinson took his aim squarely at former DUP colleague and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister, who he branded a Republican 'stooge'.
Mr Allister is a vocal opponent of the mandatory coalition at the Assembly, and left the DUP in protest at its decision to enter into Government with Sinn Fein.
"The TUV is Sinn Fein’s secret weapon for topping the poll," said the DUP boss.
"Gerry Adams could not succeed in this quest without the help of Jim Allister. Jim is Gerry's stooge."
Mr Robinson apologised for the actions of all MPs over the Parliamentary expenses furore.
"No politician from any party comes out of this [the expenses scandal] with credit. We focused and concentrated on other political issues and have to accept that we did not act to alter the systemic defects surrounding the issue of expenses.
"We all need to be contrite and apologise for our failure to act," said Mr Robinson.
He also made a renewed appeal for Unionist unity at the General Election, in a bid to secure two seat currently occupied by Nationalist.
But Mr Robinson warned times is running out to potentially oust the incumbent MPs in South Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
"I make no apology for making every effort to bring Unionists together," he said.
"At this election the potential exists to win back two seats from Nationalists. It is still not too late, but frankly time is running out."
Mr Robinson said with the prospect of a hung Parliament, the DUP had decided the party leader should remain at Westminster.
"While personally I made no secret of the fact that I would have been content to concentrate on the Assembly I understand the access that comes with being a Member of Parliament is important for the leader of Unionism, whoever that is," he said.
"In addition all our MPs and Ministers will stand down from local government."
(PR/GK)
However, Peter Robinson will be the exception. The East Belfast MP said it was important the leader of Unionism remained in both the Commons and at Stormont.
Mr Robinson, (pictured above) is the province's First Minister, and made his comments yesterday at the unveiling of the DUP's own election manifesto in Belfast.
During his speech, he conceded some Unionist were still trying to come to terms with Sinn Fein's presence at the heart of Government.
"I know that despite the progress many Unionists are still struggling to come to terms with the idea of Sinn Fein in Government.
He said: "I know that. I understand it. It is a reality that I have to deal with every day."
Mr Robinson took his aim squarely at former DUP colleague and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister, who he branded a Republican 'stooge'.
Mr Allister is a vocal opponent of the mandatory coalition at the Assembly, and left the DUP in protest at its decision to enter into Government with Sinn Fein.
"The TUV is Sinn Fein’s secret weapon for topping the poll," said the DUP boss.
"Gerry Adams could not succeed in this quest without the help of Jim Allister. Jim is Gerry's stooge."
Mr Robinson apologised for the actions of all MPs over the Parliamentary expenses furore.
"No politician from any party comes out of this [the expenses scandal] with credit. We focused and concentrated on other political issues and have to accept that we did not act to alter the systemic defects surrounding the issue of expenses.
"We all need to be contrite and apologise for our failure to act," said Mr Robinson.
He also made a renewed appeal for Unionist unity at the General Election, in a bid to secure two seat currently occupied by Nationalist.
But Mr Robinson warned times is running out to potentially oust the incumbent MPs in South Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
"I make no apology for making every effort to bring Unionists together," he said.
"At this election the potential exists to win back two seats from Nationalists. It is still not too late, but frankly time is running out."
Mr Robinson said with the prospect of a hung Parliament, the DUP had decided the party leader should remain at Westminster.
"While personally I made no secret of the fact that I would have been content to concentrate on the Assembly I understand the access that comes with being a Member of Parliament is important for the leader of Unionism, whoever that is," he said.
"In addition all our MPs and Ministers will stand down from local government."
(PR/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2015
NI First Minister Peter Robinson To Step Down
Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and DUP leader Peter Robinson is to step down in the New Year. Mr Robinson told the Belfast Telegraph he will not contest May's Assembly election and will probably resign from his post after Christmas.
NI First Minister Peter Robinson To Step Down
Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and DUP leader Peter Robinson is to step down in the New Year. Mr Robinson told the Belfast Telegraph he will not contest May's Assembly election and will probably resign from his post after Christmas.
28 February 2011
DUP Leader Reveals MLA Candidates
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has announced its team of 44 candidates for the forthcoming Northern Ireland Assembly election. DUP Leader Peter Robinson (pictured) said that the DUP would be taking a positive message to the people of Northern Ireland.
DUP Leader Reveals MLA Candidates
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has announced its team of 44 candidates for the forthcoming Northern Ireland Assembly election. DUP Leader Peter Robinson (pictured) said that the DUP would be taking a positive message to the people of Northern Ireland.
27 September 2005
Paisley expresses 'shock' at IICD declaration
DUP leader Ian Paisley has expressed his "shock" at information given during discussions with Independent International Commission for Decommissioning (IICD) chief General John de Chastelain. Dr Paisley requested the meeting following yesterday's announcement that the IRA had decommissioned all of its weapons.
Paisley expresses 'shock' at IICD declaration
DUP leader Ian Paisley has expressed his "shock" at information given during discussions with Independent International Commission for Decommissioning (IICD) chief General John de Chastelain. Dr Paisley requested the meeting following yesterday's announcement that the IRA had decommissioned all of its weapons.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
04 June 2008
Don't 'Say No!' Urges Paisley
The newly elected DUP Leader and the Prime Minister have held crisis talks aimed at avoiding a political crisis in Northern Ireland.
Don't 'Say No!' Urges Paisley
The newly elected DUP Leader and the Prime Minister have held crisis talks aimed at avoiding a political crisis in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
