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Peter Robinson to step down as Northern Irish First Minister

The Northern Ireland Victims Forum has demanded an apology from politicians over the failure to agree new agencies to investigate the Troubles legacy.

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The 66-year-old – who had a heart attack earlier this year – denies he is quitting for health reasons.

Mr Robinson has said it was not the DUP which held up this aspect of the talks.

Mr Robinson is expected to vacate the First Minister and DUP leadership posts after Christmas.

“This review will consider the extent of behavioural costs (but not second round effects) and will make further adjustments to the Northern Ireland block grant as supported by new evidence”.

McGuinness, who as leader of the largest republican party, is deputy first minister, said he had a “courteous and amicable” relationship with Robinson.

Northern Ireland’s retiring First Minister Peter Robinson has insisted he is leaving politics on his own terms.

“So I look forward to the new challenges my life will have, but I think over these last number of years Northern Ireland has made very real progress”. He told the Belfast Telegraph there are “massive pressures” involved in his work.

“As party leader and First Minister of Northern Ireland he has led our party and our country through a few of the most delicate and hard phases of the political process”.

“In the meantime I don’t want people to be focusing on issues of succession yet”.

Reactions to Robinson’s announcement have been mixed with a few Belfast residents believing that Arlene Foster should take on the role of First Minister.

Robinson joked that he may become a journalist when he retires.

“At the appropriate moment, there will be an opportunity to fully record our appreciation for the positive contribution he has made to politics and society in Northern Ireland over recent times”, he said. I am not the sort of person who sits at home with a blanket around my knees.

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With all those accomplished, he said the time was right to step aside.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson speaks about his decision to step down at Stormont Castle