Robinson Takes Over The Helm At The DUP

After 37 years at the helm of the Democratic Unionist Party, Dr. Ian Paisley, MP MLA, has retired as party leader.

He was succeeded in that position by his deputy Peter Robinson who was officially confirmed as DUP leader at a meeting in Castlereagh Borough Council headquarters in Belfast on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Robinson is expected to be confirmed as the new First Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive this week.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, T.D., sent his best wishes to the outgoing First Minister on Saturday releasing a statement that read: "I send my best wishes to Dr Paisley as he prepares to step down as party leader and then as First Minister of Northern Ireland.

"Dr Paisley has shown great leadership and immense vision in helping to bring about the historic agreement of 2007 and in the hugely effective and inclusive manner in which he has discharged the duties of his office of First Minister.

"As he steps down from that office, he leaves behind a great legacy.

"There is now a new Northern Ireland, which is looking to the future with hope and with confidence.  I was delighted to see this confidence translated into action when I attended the recent US Northern Ireland Investment Conference.

"There is a transformed working relationship between the Northern Ireland Executive, jointly led by Dr Paisley and Martin McGuinness, and the Irish Government, based on openness and co-operation and mutual benefit.

"And Dr Paisley has played a central role in building a new relationship between unionists and nationalists on this island, which was exemplified by the warmth of the reception and the depth of respect evident on the occasion of the joint opening of the Battle of the Boyne site earlier this month.

"I wish Dr Paisley, Baroness Paisley and all of their family well for the future, in what I am certain will prove an active and I hope enjoyable retirement."

The Taoiseach also congratulated Mr Robinson on his election as DUP leader, noting that, "He takes over the position at a time of unprecedented opportunity for Northern Ireland."

He noted that Mr Robinson had, "already been instrumental, as Minister for Finance and Personnel in the Northern Ireland Executive, in helping to draw up the imaginative and innovative Programme for Government, Budget and Investment Strategy that will help improve the lives of all of the people of Northern Ireland.

"He has also led the way in developing pragmatic North/South co-operation for mutual benefit, including recent agreements on major cross-border initiatives in infrastructure and financial services.

"As with all administrations in a complex, globalised world, the Northern Ireland Executive faces many difficult challenges every day.  Added to that are unique challenges for Northern Ireland, including strengthening the economy and completion of the process of devolution of policing and justice powers to the Executive as set out in the Saint Andrews Agreement.

"He will have my full support and co-operation in working together for the common good and mutual benefit of all of the people of this island," he concluded.