Menu
15/06/2009
Robinson Should Step Aside, Says Sir Reg
First Minister Peter Robinson should include himself in the DUP Executive reshuffle, expected to be unveiled within the next 24 hours - that's according to UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey.
Employment Minister Sir Reg said a shake-up of the Democratic Unionist's front-line team was a "panic driven-reaction" to the fall in its vote at the recent European elections.
Sir Reg (pictured here) suggested the DUP's ministerial changes would be a "punishment dumping" exercise.
"This is Peter Robinson striking out at everyone else in the hope that it will distract attention from himself," he said.
Sir Reg claimed Mr Robinson's readiness to "dump" minister showed he "didn't think much of the government they were providing in the first place".
"This reshuffle will be incomplete if it avoids the very person most in need of reshuffling - Peter Robinson himself," said Sir Reg.
It is believed Mr Robinson has asked those within the party to choose been Stormont or Westminster, in a bid to end so-called "double-jobbing".
This could see many of the party's high-profile MPs stepping down from the Assembly, and the Executive table, in order to continue parliamentary work.
It has been mooted DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds will leave the Department of Finance in order to pursue his work in the Commons.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson, Culture Minister Gregory Campbell, Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson, Committee Chairs Iris Robinson and Willy McCrea - who are all MPs - are said to be considering their positions.
(PR/JM)
Employment Minister Sir Reg said a shake-up of the Democratic Unionist's front-line team was a "panic driven-reaction" to the fall in its vote at the recent European elections.
Sir Reg (pictured here) suggested the DUP's ministerial changes would be a "punishment dumping" exercise.
"This is Peter Robinson striking out at everyone else in the hope that it will distract attention from himself," he said.
Sir Reg claimed Mr Robinson's readiness to "dump" minister showed he "didn't think much of the government they were providing in the first place".
"This reshuffle will be incomplete if it avoids the very person most in need of reshuffling - Peter Robinson himself," said Sir Reg.
It is believed Mr Robinson has asked those within the party to choose been Stormont or Westminster, in a bid to end so-called "double-jobbing".
This could see many of the party's high-profile MPs stepping down from the Assembly, and the Executive table, in order to continue parliamentary work.
It has been mooted DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds will leave the Department of Finance in order to pursue his work in the Commons.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson, Culture Minister Gregory Campbell, Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson, Committee Chairs Iris Robinson and Willy McCrea - who are all MPs - are said to be considering their positions.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
21 August 2008
NI Students Celebrate Exam Success
GCSE students are celebrating top grades in the biggest annual rise since 1990 - with the Province outperforming the mainland. Northern Ireland beat England, Scotland and Wales with 26.4% awarded A* or A.
NI Students Celebrate Exam Success
GCSE students are celebrating top grades in the biggest annual rise since 1990 - with the Province outperforming the mainland. Northern Ireland beat England, Scotland and Wales with 26.4% awarded A* or A.
05 September 2002
Shorts Bombardier to axe 461 jobs
Belfast-based aerospace company Shorts Bombardier has announced that 461 jobs are to be axed. The news was communicated to staff at a management meeting at 2pm this afternoon.
Shorts Bombardier to axe 461 jobs
Belfast-based aerospace company Shorts Bombardier has announced that 461 jobs are to be axed. The news was communicated to staff at a management meeting at 2pm this afternoon.
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.
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.
27 January 2004
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
-
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.
