Only one DUP minister now left in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
This morning, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that the North was “in crisis mode” and this evening a major political figure in Northern Ireland has stepped aside.
This shocking news follows the Executive’s response to the allegations that the IRA were involved in the murder of Kevin McGuigan.
Robinson’s departure brings huge doubt into the future of power sharing in Northern Ireland.
The Dail’s Foreign Affair Minister Charlie Flanagan says he “greatly regrets” the move and worries that the decision will impact the Good Friday Agreement.
In a statement this evening, Robinson said: “As someone who invested many hours trying to bring devolution to Northern Ireland, and to maintain it, I have tried to create space to allow these critical unresolved matters to be dealt with in a structured manner.
“Local Ministers making local decisions is best for Northern Ireland.
“The failure of the SDLP and Sinn Fein to implement the Stormont House Agreement together with the assessment from the Chief Constable of the involvement of IRA members in murder, the continued existence of the IRA and the arrests that followed has pushed devolution to the brink.
“Yesterday I indicated that we would ask the Business Committee to adjourn Assembly proceedings to allow negotiations to take place. That proposal did not find sufficient support. The Government can still legislate to suspend the Assembly and allow space for the parties to negotiate.
“In light of the decision by republicans, nationalists and the UUP to continue with business as usual in the Assembly, I am therefore standing aside as First Minister and other DUP Ministers will resign with immediate effect with the exception of Arlene Foster.
“I have asked Arlene to remain in post as Finance Minister and acting First Minister to ensure that nationalists and republicans are not able to take financial and other decisions that may be detrimental to Northern Ireland.”
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