Robinson back as first minister

Peter Robinson has resumed his role as Northern Ireland First Minister

DUP leader Peter Robinson has resumed his role as Northern Ireland first minister.

In January, he announced he was stepping down after allegations in a BBC Spotlight programme that he had broken the Stormont ministerial code.

Mr Robinson designated Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to take charge.

He said he had now received legal advice that he did not breach the code or the principles governing those involved in public life.

Mr Robinson announced on 11 January that he was stepping aside temporarily.

Although the clause under which Mr Robinson handed over his responsibilities to Arlene Foster allowed for his absence for six weeks, he made it clear when he stepped aside that he did not intend to be out of office for that long.

The BBC Spotlight programme claimed that in not reporting his wife Iris's financial dealings to the relevant authorities, Mr Robinson had broken the code which governs Stormont politicians.

Statement

But Mr Robinson said the barrister Paul Maguire had conducted a comprehensive examination of the issues raised in the programme and had concluded there were no breaches of the Ministerial Code, pledge of office or the seven principles of public life.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Robinson said: "His advice supports my consistent contention that I have acted at all times properly and in full compliance with my public duties.

"I am therefore glad that, at this critical time, I can resume fully the functions of my office with confidence."

Mr Robinson said he was "grateful to my ministerial colleague Arlene Foster for her diligent and highly competent work in fulfilling these additional responsibilities while assisting me at the same time in these negotiations over the last number of weeks".

A police investigation has already been launched into the Spotlight allegations and until that is completed an Assembly Standards Committee inquiry is on hold.

Mr Robinson said once these stages were complete he would determine what legal action he should take against the BBC and others.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BBC said it stood by the Spotlight programme.