Omagh Town UUP Councillor and Secretary of the West Tyrone Constituency Association of the Ulster Unionist Party Ross Hussey has voiced concern over the business conducted by the Northern Ireland Assembly following the allegations surrounding the Robinson brand and the appointment of Arlene Foster as Acting First Minister.


“The BBC Spotlight programme last week closely followed by the Panorama programme has shocked the political world. I am not remotely interested in making remarks in relation to the personal revelations – these are private matters and should be dealt with by the Robinson family. I am interested however in the integrity of the political institutions in Northern Ireland and I am fearful that this crisis within the DUP could have an impact on devolution.In placing Arlene Foster in the First Minister’s office as a caretaker she will be unable to make decisions and therefore the Executive is essentially on hold until (or if) Peter Robinson returns. At this crucial time in the political process, we now have two lame-duck First Ministers, neither of whom can make the decisions necessary to ensure proper, working devolution.



This action is typical of the DUP – they have decided to put the party before their country. The Robinson brand is not only damaged – it is an embarrassment – it completely goes against what the DUP have always claimed to believe in many would say from the moral high ground. The DUP are hoping that by placing Arlene in the First Minister position they will be able to overcome some of the damage that has been caused by the controversy. At grass root level DUP supporters are not happy with their leadership and the silence from the Paisley wing of the party has been deafening, indeed I wonder what Tom Buchannon makes of the whole thing – not too many DUP politicians have dared to wander from the official press office line. The DUP face a difficult time ahead while they try to regain the confidence of their supporters. It is time for the electorate to look ahead to a post Robinson era.”