Gregory Campbell: Peter has a week to clear his name…
ACCORDING to Gregory Campbell on Stephen Nolan’s Radio 5 Live show, Peter Robinson has a week to clear his name. Campbell, who didn’t actually attend tonight’s meeting of DUP officers, refused to give his unequivocal backing to Robinson, adding that the DUP leader’s neck was on the line.
Meanwhile, names are being mentioned about who might take over if Robinson resigns. Deputy Dodds appears uninterested, which leaves figures like Arlene Foster and Sammy Wilson in the frame, although whether an ex-UUPer or a politician so lacking in gravitas would be given the post is another question. This may also be something other parties like Sinn Fein, as well as the two governments, are considering – is Robbo still the least worst option for political progress? Mick doesn’t buy it, but there was a ‘Save Dave’ campaign for Trimble before his position became completely untenable. Could we end up with Keep Pete? And what happens if Robinson stays beyond next week, but public opinion remains hostile in the run-up to the general election? How fast can a man move in a grey suit?
Danny,
The bible is indeed a load of old shit. And when the time comes and you realize that you’ve wasted your life worshipping an imaginary friend in the sky, you’ll be annoyed.
Bob McCartney was (no longer is, unfortunately) a Premiership player who got involved with the GM Vauxhall paint trophy league. Wisely decided that amateur league wasn’t his style, and left the field of play to the Proles.
Driftwood,
you are Bob McCartney and I claim my £5!
brendan MSG 6 I’m not sure if the ‘Panorama’ slot is only a convenient way of showing the spotlight doc. as seen on Thursday only in NI, to viewers in Britain, or a seperate production, by the Panorama team.
In the present circumstances he should agree to the devolvement of Police and Justice next week.
This will put it up to the angry men in the party and the TUV who are not going away either.
It will also help to set the agenda on his terms and give him the much needed space to recover his political position.
It will also wrong foot Sinn Fein who are drooling at the possibility of taking the First Ministers post.
If he remains politically paralysed then as sure as night follows day they will get him, just as the dissidents in the English Labour party will get Mr. Brown.
I am not a DUP supporter nor am I a nationalist however I do admire his political skills and I am grateful for the political risks he has taken this far. I wish him well professionally and personally.