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22/07/2008
Robinson Denies 'Child Abuse' Slur On Gays
Just weeks after DUP MP Iris Robinson insisted in a BBC radio interview that gay people could be "turned around" - and subsequently said she would defend her right to express her religious beliefs - the NI First Minister's wife and party colleague has said her views may have been misrepresented in a second apparent 'gaff'.
She has been reported as saying that "there can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children".
Although Stormont's Hansard report has borne out her alleged comments in a transcript of a Northern Ireland Grand Committee meeting last month - which discussed risk assessment and management of sex offenders - Mrs Robinson said at no stage did she set out to suggest that homosexuality was worse than child abuse.
But, a Hansard official said after checking audio recordings, she was satisfied the comments were reported accurately.
Mrs Robinson has already faced criticism from a number of sources on her initial comments which enraged sections of the gay community.
A former Eastenders TV star has accused the DUP MP Iris Robinson of encouraging "hatred and intolerance" with her recent comments about gay people.
Michael Cashman, who is now an MEP, told Mrs Robinson he was dismayed by her remarks last month that homosexuals should seek psychiatric help.
"It was with great dismay I learned that you have called homosexuality an abomination," he wrote in a letter.
However, a spokesman said the DUP was "committed to equality and opportunity for all" and noted that "If Mr Cashman was genuinely interested in hearing from Mrs Robinson, he would not have made the details of his correspondence available to the media".
The West Midlands Labour party representative's letter continued: "MPs should be representative of all citizens and work towards an inclusive and open society."
See: Police To Investigate Robinson Gay Comments
(BMcC)
She has been reported as saying that "there can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality, than sexually abusing innocent children".
Although Stormont's Hansard report has borne out her alleged comments in a transcript of a Northern Ireland Grand Committee meeting last month - which discussed risk assessment and management of sex offenders - Mrs Robinson said at no stage did she set out to suggest that homosexuality was worse than child abuse.
But, a Hansard official said after checking audio recordings, she was satisfied the comments were reported accurately.
Mrs Robinson has already faced criticism from a number of sources on her initial comments which enraged sections of the gay community.
A former Eastenders TV star has accused the DUP MP Iris Robinson of encouraging "hatred and intolerance" with her recent comments about gay people.
Michael Cashman, who is now an MEP, told Mrs Robinson he was dismayed by her remarks last month that homosexuals should seek psychiatric help.
"It was with great dismay I learned that you have called homosexuality an abomination," he wrote in a letter.
However, a spokesman said the DUP was "committed to equality and opportunity for all" and noted that "If Mr Cashman was genuinely interested in hearing from Mrs Robinson, he would not have made the details of his correspondence available to the media".
The West Midlands Labour party representative's letter continued: "MPs should be representative of all citizens and work towards an inclusive and open society."
See: Police To Investigate Robinson Gay Comments
(BMcC)
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11 October 2002
DRD announces £80 million road works proposals
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28 November 2014
Iris Robinson Committed 'Serious Breach'
An investigation has found Irish Robinson committed a "serious breach" of the Northern Ireland Assembly's code of conduct. The report, compiled by the assembly's Committee on Standards and Privileges, follows a BBC Spotlight investigation four years ago.
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31 March 2010
Land Deal Questions For Robinsons
Democratic Unionist spin doctors last night scrambled to quash questions raised by the BBC over a land deal involving First Minister Peter Robinson. The report revealed Mr Robinson and his wife Iris (pictured) purchased a small parchment of land close to their home in 2006 from developer Fred Fraser, who is now deceased.
Land Deal Questions For Robinsons
Democratic Unionist spin doctors last night scrambled to quash questions raised by the BBC over a land deal involving First Minister Peter Robinson. The report revealed Mr Robinson and his wife Iris (pictured) purchased a small parchment of land close to their home in 2006 from developer Fred Fraser, who is now deceased.
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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.
