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Tuesday, 07 September 2010

Robinson ends quitting rumours

DUP leader Peter Robinson has told UTV he will lead his party into next year's Assembly election, ending speculation that he could quit shortly.

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Interview: Peter Robinson
‘No quitter’ - Robinson

Mr Robinson has been a politician under pressure since revelations over his wife's affair with a 19-year-old lover started dominating the headlines in January.

He suffered a shock General Election defeat to the Alliance's Naomi Long in East Belfast in May, losing a seat he had held for over three decades.

Read Ken Reid's blog: I'm no quitter

But Mr Robinson came back from his summer break in defiant mood, insisting he will stay on as DUP leader and take the party into the next Assembly election.

"I'm not a quitter. I'm persevering. I believe that we have a massive challenge ahead of us and I'm up for that challenge", he told UTV's Political Editor Ken Reid.

"I managed to get some time away. It is the first break I have had for 12 months. I am fortified, batteries recharged, I am ready for business".

When asked if he saw himself leading the DUP election campaign in 2011, Mr Robinson replied:

"I not only see leading the party into the election but I see us coming out as the largest party from the election. There's a very good spirit within the party and rightly so."

Mr Robinson says he has already met with party officers to work out the DUP strategy until the election.

"It's going to be a tough battle. But I believe that the unionist electorate will rally around".

On Tuesday, the first minister warned that the £2bn cuts to public spending in Northern Ireland will have a "devastating impact" on the region's economic recovery.

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8 Comments

At 10:22 on 08 September 2010, Clive wrote:

The people of East Belfast told him what they thought of him and now he gives them the finger, well if you won't be told you'll have to be taught - roll on May, round two

At 09:15 on 08 September 2010, Gordon wrote:

Glad to see Peter Robinson staying on - he is the most capable politician in NI.

At 08:34 on 08 September 2010, john murphy wrote:

Peter is a man who has earned his place on the political stage of NI.....he stood up for his people when others ran with their tail between their legs.....he played hard ball to get a good deal for his people while others would have sold their mothers........keep up the good work Peter and ignore those who could not tie your shoes.........

At 22:44 on 07 September 2010, Michael wrote:

HUGH: Peter Robinson has been speaking to the media consistently and in the assembly - you cannot be watching too much of the news or paying too much attention to the assembly because the man has been very prominent and in any regard the land deal was not an illegal act. If you actually read the facts and paid attention to the assembly you would appreciate the fact that Robinson, like him or not, is the most talented, experienced and incisive politician in Northern Ireland. You cannot seriously want to oust him simply because you have a skewered view of politics here.

At 22:43 on 07 September 2010, colin wrote:

well one peter. you are the best man for the job.

At 20:09 on 07 September 2010, Michael wrote:

Good interview. I am pleased that Peter Robinson is going to stay on because, regardless of what you may think of him or his politics, he is an excellent politician and without doubt the most talented political figure on our island.

At 19:45 on 07 September 2010, Tommy wrote:

Dont you just love them wee puppy dog eyes, time to show that sad face again!!