NORTHERN SECRETARY Shaun Woodward said Peter and Iris Robinson should be given space and privacy to deal with personal issues. He said both were “entitled to a private life”.
“What we’ve got to understand from this statement is that the Robinson family has got to be allowed the space to resolve their own personal issues.” He said he was happy to talk about public issues, including the First Minister’s support for devolution in Northern Ireland and ongoing efforts to complete the devolution project with the transfer of policing and justice powers from London.
“I’m very pleased that he will be getting down to meetings with Martin McGuinness, they are extremely important and the issue of policing and justice matters to everybody in Northern Ireland.”
He was responding to the dramatic statements from Peter Robinson and his wife in which they acknowledged she had had an affair earlier this year and had attempted suicide. “Iris, racked with guilt and sorrow, had attempted to take her own life and would certainly have been less likely to recover if I had left,” Mr Robinson said.
“Over time and on calmer reflection, I set her inappropriate behaviour against 40 years of bringing up our children – often alone.
“. . . Those were 40 years during which she supported me more than any person could reasonably have been expected to. Forty years where we walked the valley basin as well as the mountain paths. But most of all, 40 years during which we shared a strong loving relationship.”
In her statement admitting her affair, Ms Robinson said: “I do not deserve a second chance, but I have been given one. Nothing is more important to me. I sincerely apologise to all those I have hurt and let down. I have inflicted deep pain on my husband Peter, my family, friends, staff and all those who have supported me. I am so, so sorry.”
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness responded last night saying: “Nobody watching this evening’s interview by Peter could fail to be moved by obvious hurt and pain being experienced by the Robinson family”.
He added: “Despite Peter’s public role he is entitled to privacy as he and his family seek to deal with this matter. I wish them well as they seek to rebuild relationships away from the public glare.”
DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said: “On behalf of the members of the DUP, I want to extend to Peter and the Robinson family our heartfelt prayers and support at this incredibly difficult time.
“I know that rank-and-file members and supporters of our party, in common with the wider community in Northern Ireland, have been deeply moved by Peter’s statement today. He has demonstrated a level of bravery and courage that very few in public life possess.
“Peter Robinson’s contribution to the Unionist resurgence in Northern Ireland over recent years has been immeasurable.”