The Robinson Affair (mod warning: post 5)

bSlick

sceptre wrote: »

Here's what you need to bear in mind with regard to this discussion (thank you nesf):

We do not ask you to feel compassion, we do not ask you to care. We ask you to show some respect to anyone when there's a tragedy in their personal, not public, life. Someone getting found out for dodging tax or taking bribes is fair game, someone who's just had a divorce, been diagnosed with a disease, lost a loved one or whatever isn't. If you can't bring yourself to respect this line do not post in this forum since it will just get you banned.

As previously, this is the sole warning anyone will receive.

Also, I'm sure some of you guys are amazingly underappreciated comedians. But the "here's to you, Mrs Robinson" line and associated gags as your major contribution are only funny if you're first to the line with it. You aren't:)

Did you really need to post that in this thread. In the Brian Lenihan thread it was appropriate as he has just been diagnosed with likely terminal cancer which is a real tragedy and complete not of his own making. This situation, which involves a politician who has been frequently giving very anti-gay hate speeches for the last few years and has been found to be having an affair, is in no way similar.

This is not just a 'personal issue', it is relevant to the public as this politician is renowned for her moralising against homosexuals in public office. She has given these highly offensive views on national radio and in Westminister. And now she has been found to be of questionable morals herself and it turns out she is the last person who should be lecturing others. It is highly ironic and is a natural scenario for people to engage in satirical political comment, of which plenty occurs in this forum. I can't see why you feel the need to stifle people's natural reaction to this story.

Edit: And I see now that it seems she has questions to answer regarding dodgy financial dealings. This politician should be treated no differently than Bertie and the rest, she is a legitimate target for political satire.

Jaap

I think Peter Robinson will weather the storm with regards the financial questions that will be put to him. After all the only evidence we have of him having any knowledge of his wife's financial situation is through Selwyn Black (Iris' ex-assistant). And even this is just Selwyn apparently hearing Peter give Iris' instructions on telling Selwyn to pay the developers the full £50,000 back during a telephone conversation.
What Peter Robinson has done is minute in comparison to what some other members of The NI Assembly have done...been involved with terrorist organistions that have bombed and murdered...been involved with terrorist organsations which only 5 years ago this month robbed a bank of 24 million squid to pay for its retired activists' pensions! Which is a lot more than £50,000. Are we going to call for the resignation of those assembly members for unanswered question on the raid?
Sinn Fein have also been very quiet...particularly Gerry Adams! When is he going to answer the questions on how he allowed his brother Liam to work with children in the late 90s in Dundalk whenever he knew Liam's alleged behaviour?
Iris' career is finished...she just has to concentrate on saving her marriage and answering very serious money questions!
Never liked Peter Robinson...don't think I ever will, even after his emotional speech the other day! But if he has the desire to stay on in politics he will be allowed to do so...too much of a crucial time in Northern Ireland politics for the leader of the DUP to be forced out!

Spiritoftheseventies

Jaap wrote: »

I think Peter Robinson will weather the storm with regards the financial questions that will be put to him.

Very significant the comments Durkin made this morning. May carry some weight.

Rebelheart

bayviewclose wrote: »

Very significant the comments Durkin made this morning. May carry some weight.

Strange also how Reg Empey avoided any criticism of Peter Robinson whatsoever and targeted Iris. Something up there.

Spiritoftheseventies

Rebelheart wrote: »

Strange also how Reg Empey avoided any criticism of Peter Robinson whatsoever and targeted Iris. Something up there.

Would think Mark Durkin is a moderate enough voice in Northern Irish politics. think this will come down to ethics and non disclosure in the end.

Rebelheart

bayviewclose wrote: »

Would think Mark Durkin is a moderate enough voice in Northern Irish politics. think this will come down to ethics and non disclosure in the end.

True enough but what's the alternative to Robinson? Sammy Wilson? Nigel Dodds? Jesus wept. Gregory Campbell probably looks too modern and presentable to win over the bible-thumpers.

Spiritoftheseventies

Rebelheart wrote: »

True enough but what's the alternative to Robinson? Sammy Wilson? Nigel Dodds? Jesus wept. Gregory Campbell probably looks too modern and presentable to win over the bible-thumpers.

Well thats the danger. If Robinson goes a less moderate leader could take over and that could impact on the peace process. But was mentioned in radio report that Iris Robinsons infidelities will not have gone down well in the party. But as Durkin said Iris has to step down from all her parliamentary positions for a start.

Joey the lips

I have thought the same as bslick tbh and considering that the person she is alleged to of had the affair with is a "Catholic" and her general published views on the catholic population in the past it stinks. The whole situation stinks.

fb might be right so to speak in his views of peter robinson but Iris Robo has no political future which will more likely explain her resigning from politics.

Sponge Bob

bayviewclose wrote: »

Well thats the danger. If Robinson goes a less moderate leader could take over and that could impact on the peace process.

:eek: Less Moderate, :eek: the DUP is and always has been a coalition of the raving and the certifiable and the hard line bigot with a thin scrim of crumbly PR applied to it ????

If Robinson goes the leadership will go to a less experienced but nevertheless equally fundamentalist christian loon like himself.

Robinson is unusual in not being a free presbyterian like many dup types and instead belongs to a large fundamentalist sect in NI , like the Brethern or Elim or one such ......there are soo many of them I lose track of them.

ardmaj

bayviewclose wrote: »

Well thats the danger. If Robinson goes a less moderate leader could take over and that could impact on the peace process. But was mentioned in radio report that Iris Robinsons infidelities will not have gone down well in the party. But as Durkin said Iris has to step down from all her parliamentary positions for a start.

We never did get to find out the method Iris is supposed to have used to attempt suicide. It' s probably going to be changed in a couple of weeks to 'on the verge of'

Sponge Bob

The Rev Willie McCrea ( former MP and current Assemblyman) and in fairness the most senior DUP parliamentarian other than Robinson , has just issued a statement on his website. This is what passes for a hat in the leadership ring if you are a fundamentalist

http://www.mfpc.org/

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Without apology we stand against the evil deception of the ecumenical movement and call God's people to Bible separation. We love the Lord, we preach His Word, we proclaim cleansing through His precious Blood. [/FONT]

cleansing, mmmmmmmm'kay! you are welcome to find out though.

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Why don't you and your family visit us and see and hear for yourself[/FONT]

Seth Brundle

ardmaj wrote: »

We never did get to find out the method Iris is supposed to have used to attempt suicide. It' s probably going to be changed in a couple of weeks to 'on the verge of'

I agree. I found it difficult to believe that someone whose wife tried to kill herself was able to turn in for work the following day and happily throw wisecracks. It doesn't make sense.
Also, why did it need to be said? If someone was suffering from mental problems leading them to attempt suicide, making it a national news item will only make things worse for the victim

Rebelheart

And of course the fact that she only decided to go public on this alleged suicide attempt, some ten months after it allegedly happened, the day before a programme on her financial affairs was due to be broadcast says everything.

Spiritoftheseventies

Rebelheart wrote: »

And of course the fact that she only decided to go public on this alleged suicide attempt, some ten months after it allegedly happened, the day before a programme on her financial affairs was due to be broadcast says everything.

Once more property developers involved. But up north they seem to deal with it a bit more quickly than down here.

sadie06

At this stage the exposition of financial corruption amongst politicians barely raises an eyebrow in my household, even when it is a power couple such as the Robinsons involved. It is the sexual relationship that has generated the most conversation in my family, and not in any sensational way.

Several posters on here and on other sites have dismissed the affair as being between two consenting adults. It is true, no laws were broken, but the manner in which this relationship came about is very distasteful.

A 59 year old public figure goes about comforting a grieving, and therefore vulnerable 19 year old young man. She tells him that his father asked her to look after him.... powerfully emotional words to hear when you are grieving for a loved one.

It is easy to see how a young man would succumb in those circumstances and how a relationship may develop. Grieving can be a very lonely experience, particularly for young males.

If it had been a 19 year old girl and a 59 year old male public figure with the same set of sad circumstances as the backdrop, he would be called a sexual opportunist at the very least, and perhaps even a predator.

Iris preyed on a vulnerable person in my opinion, and it is him I feel most sorry for considering the position he is in now.

sesswhat

I believe Spotlight program will be repeated on BBC News channel at 2.30 this afternoon.

Jaap

Peter Robinson is reported to be making a statement this afternoon on the financial side of things and the accusations against him. He has to do something sooner rather than later.
A catholic police officer (who has been with the force for 10 years, is a member of the GAA and is an irish language specialist) has been seroiusly injured by a car bomb this morning supposedly planted by the faceless and "sneak off into the dark" animals that are the dissidents...this against the backdrop of policing and juctice talks collapse lastnight...strong political leadership is required...as in now!
Peter...if you are up for the challenge step forward...if you are not...step aside mate!

chris2009

POINTBREAK wrote: »

To be honest he didnt come across like that on the show. He appeared genuine and felt that he had been decieved and used by both of them. The curruption and dirt didnt come out all at one time and listening to him you got the impression that he was afraid that he was gradually being dragged into the quagmire. I think he left them about a year ago.

I know Selwyn Black, he resigned in Dec 09, a couple of weeks before Iris Robinson said she was withdrawing from public life...
Not sure why he waited a year to come out with all this, I reckon he's like all of us and needed a job. He's a genuine and honest man and do believe he gained nothing from all this.

I have a question though: Why would Peter Robinson go to work (and make a joke) the day after his wife attepmted suicide???

FTA69

Jaap wrote: »

Peter Robinson is reported to be making a statement this afternoon on the financial side of things and the accusations against him. He has to do something sooner rather than later.
A catholic police officer (who has been with the force for 10 years, is a member of the GAA and is an irish language specialist) has been seroiusly injured by a car bomb this morning supposedly planted by the faceless and "sneak off into the dark" animals that are the dissidents...this against the backdrop of policing and juctice talks collapse lastnight...strong political leadership is required...as in now!
Peter...if you are up for the challenge step forward...if you are not...step aside mate!

I'm curious as to know why such a song and dance is being made about the fact he plays football.

Nodin

Rebelheart wrote: »

And of course the fact that she only decided to go public on this alleged suicide attempt, some ten months after it allegedly happened, the day before a programme on her financial affairs was due to be broadcast says everything.

It's most dubious.

I might add that I've no problem in believing the suicide attempt or depression but take issue with the chronology. I don't believe the depression preceded the affair, essentially, and thus the financial/political aid that was sought and given.

Sleepy

sadie06 wrote: »

Iris preyed on a vulnerable person in my opinion, and it is him I feel most sorry for considering the position he is in now.

He's hardly done badly from it has he? Very few 21 year olds who own their own businesses.

Joey the lips

He is on 88.5fm now with tommy gorman. Of course Spotlight is out to get them and its a smear campagn. Make the judgement for yourself though.

ardmaj

chris2009 wrote: »

I know Selwyn Black, he resigned in Dec 09, a couple of weeks before Iris Robinson said she was withdrawing from public life...
Not sure why he waited a year to come out with all this, I reckon he's like all of us and needed a job. He's a genuine and honest man and do believe he gained nothing from all this.

I have a question though: Why would Peter Robinson go to work (and make a joke) the day after his wife attepmted suicide???

He just tried a few minutes ago on UTV to explain the odd circumstances of the morning he left his wife at home [tried to kill herself* health warning required on this claim]and went to work as usual. Robinson told Ken Reid that Iris' attempted suicide at 1.00am, and stayed at her bedside till morning. I have to say, he's unlikely to have convinced too many on this, because he made no attempt to explain why he was laughing and joking in the chamber only hours later.
Typically, as with the tame media up here, Reid didn't challenge him on this. We'll see if the local BBC ni does any better, it's on now.

Joey the lips

ardmaj wrote: »

[/b]

He just tried a few minutes ago on UTV to explain the odd circumstances of the morning he left his wife at home [tried to kill herself* health warning required on this claim]and went to work as usual. Robinson told Ken Reid that Iris' attempted suicide at 1.00am, and stayed at her bedside till morning. I have to say, he's unlikely to have convinced too many on this, because he made no attempt to explain why he was laughing and joking in the chamber only hours later.
Typically, as with the tame media up here, Reid didn't challenge him on this. We'll see if the local BBC ni does any better, it's on now.

Tommy Gorman copped this as well. I think this should turn out a very interesting story.

Spiritoftheseventies

Joey the lips wrote: »

Tommy Gorman copped this as well. I think this should turn out a very interesting story.

Could be he was still in shock. Would be very cold of someone to behave like that seeing how long they have been married.

Joey the lips

bayviewclose wrote: »

Could be he was still in shock. Would be very cold of someone to behave like that seeing how long they have been married.

You need to have followed both their career paths to know why any republician looking in is laughing now.

This scandle is firefighting at its best. Nothing else. This will be shown in time

The tax man is most likely the person most on there minds at the moment.

ardmaj

chris2009 wrote: »

I know Selwyn Black, he resigned in Dec 09, a couple of weeks before Iris Robinson said she was withdrawing from public life...
Not sure why he waited a year to come out with all this, I reckon he's like all of us and needed a job. He's a genuine and honest man and do believe he gained nothing from all this.

I have a question though: Why would Peter Robinson go to work (and make a joke) the day after his wife attepmted suicide???

Continuing earlier post. Robinson has just finished interview with BBC NI political reporter, Mark Devenport, and yet again was allowed to gloss over the events of the night of his wife's alleged suicide attempt. Devenport didn't even ask about him about his joking in the stormont chamber only hours later, even though as you pointed out, it's a hard to credit that he would be expecting us to believe he was in such jolly form after this event.
I don't believe Iris Robinson attempted suicide. This sequence of announcements since Christmas was planned thoroughly in advance by the Robinsons knowing explanations would be needed in the wake of the Spotlight allegations.

Nodin

Some people can compartmentalise themselves very easily. Besides, when in the spot light you tend to go into a sort of performance. It's rather a pointless line of inquiry on a number of levels. Its the lack of declaration and possible favouritism thats the offence here, anything else can wait.

Bottle_of_Smoke

ardmaj wrote: »

I have to say, he's unlikely to have convinced too many on this, because he made no attempt to explain why he was laughing and joking in the chamber only hours later.

In fairness none of us know how we'd react in this scenario. I can see blocking things out as a distinct possibility

stuartfanning

The Spotlight special is now on BBC iPlayer.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00qc3xf/Spotlight_2009_2010_Spotlight_Special/