Last week when the DUP’S Iris Robinson retired, I blogged about her battle for the ‘moral soul’ of Northern Ireland. I was as surprised as anyone at the news yesterday evening about her extramarital affair, and her attempt last March to take her own life due to her anguish about what had happened.
The news was broken in a BBC television interview with her husband and DUP leader Peter Robinson. Subsequent reports have included official statements from Mr and Mrs Robinson.
Continue reading ‘The Iris Robinson Affair – Sex, Money & Christianity…’
A column by David Gordon in today’s Belfast Telegraph addresses speculation about the leadership of DUP First Minister Peter Robinson, noting the persistent rumours that he too will bow out of politics following his wife Iris Robinson’s retirement due to depression.
Yesterday in the same paper, Gordon made the case that Mr. Robinson wouldn’t be keen to abandon politics. Gordon also voiced the rather cynical analysis that Mrs. Robinson’s absence from ‘the General Election field may blunt anti-DUP attacks on the expenses issue’, which would inadvertently bolster her husband’s and her party’s position. A cruel point to make, perhaps, but as Gordon claims:
Continue reading ‘Peter Robinson, Gerry Adams and Questions about Political Leadership’
Yesterday, DUP leader Peter Robinson finally commented on the death of Catholic Cardinal Cahal Daly. Robinson’s silence had become deafening, and pundits had begun to debate whether he was demonstrating the leadership skills of a First Minister for all of Northern Ireland.
Speaking yesterday on the BBC Radio programme Sunday Sequence, Lord Robin Eames, the former Anglican Primate of All Ireland, expressed his regret that Robinson had not yet spoken about Cardinal Daly and said he hoped that he would do so soon. Eames’ words were replayed throughout the day on BBC television broadcasts, and then followed by summaries of Robinson’s statement.
Continue reading ‘Archbishop Eames & Peter Robinson’s Silence about Cardinal Daly: Questions about the Politics of Symbols, Gestures & New Discourses’
The DUP’s first lady, Iris Robinson, unexpectedly announced her retirement today. Mrs Robinson, a councillor, MLA and MP as well as the wife of DUP leader and Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, cited depression as the reason for her decision.
Depression is doubtless rife in Northern Ireland. Societies transitioning from violence typically have high incidences of mental illnesses, including depression, an illness that is often self-medicated with excessive alcohol. While I am not suggesting that Mrs Robinson’s depression is Troubles-related, at the least it may start some public debate about mental illness in a society that desperately needs to have those discussions.
Continue reading ‘Iris Robinson Retirement: Depression, Family Dynasties, Gay Rights and the Battle for Northern Ireland’s Moral Soul’
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