Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“On a personal level I wish Peter Robinson well. He has undoubtable been a very able politician but I am sure he is now looking forward to retirement, particularly given his recent health problems.
“I am saddened for him and for Northern Ireland that his legacy is to confirm IRA/Sinn Fein in government. Even though the IRA killed again, even though we now know the Army Council controls Sinn Fein, that the IRA still has weapons and still reserves the right to kill as and when it sees fit Mr Robinson was prepared just last week to sweep murder under the carpet and to renew his vows with Republicans in government.
“It is hard to escape the conclusion that a primary driver in making that poor deal was to facilitate his retirement, something which causes me further concern as to the quality and content of that deal.”