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DUP leader Peter Robinson admitted to hospital as precaution

Speaking on RTÉ’s Marian Finuance Show with Aine Lawlor, Ms McDonald said she wished the DUP leader well but hoped the discussions would continue on Monday morning.

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Peter Robinson, leader of Northern Ireland’s largest unionist political party, has been admitted to the Royal Victoria hospital (RVH) in Belfast as a precautionary measure.

A DUP spokesperson said it was as a result of a reaction to medication.

In May, he spent four nights at the RVH after suffering a suspected heart attack and had to have three stents fitted to help the flow of blood.

The spokesman said Mr Robinson was doing well and would be discharged from hospital soon.

Earlier this month, Peter Robinson stood aside as First Minister along with three other Democratic Unionist Party ministers.

It was sparked by the murder of ex-IRA man Kevin McGuigan, last month.

Mr Robinson appointed the finance minster, Arlene Foster, as acting First Minister – a move to keep devolution going for a few more weeks – after failing to persuade David Cameron to suspend the Stormont assembly in Belfast. At the time, Mr Robinson blamed his illness on his unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

A spokesman for the hospital confirmed he was admitted as a “precautionary measure” and that he was “comfortable and doing well”.

Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has expressed concern.

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The DUP is due to attend round table talks at Stormont on Monday after the government commissioned an independent assessment of paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland.

Peter Robinson stepped aside as first minister in early September