Jump to content

Iris Robinson: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→Extramarital affair, attempted suicide and resignation: re-ordered final paragraph to give presidence to the affair scandal which now dominates her legacy
Rd232 (talk | contribs)
54,863 edits
structure, tense
Line 45: Line 45:
Robinson describes herself as a [[born again Christian]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2008-05-12b.1124.0|title=Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, House of Commons|publisher=[[TheyWorkForYou]]|date=12 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-16}}</ref> and has publicly stated that "the government has the responsibility to uphold God's laws".<ref>The Stephen Nolan Show, BBC Radio Ulster, 17 July 2008 [http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/nolan/phonecallarchive/ BBC archive]</ref> Her expressed views on [[homosexuality]] caused controversy in 2008.
Robinson describes herself as a [[born again Christian]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2008-05-12b.1124.0|title=Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, House of Commons|publisher=[[TheyWorkForYou]]|date=12 May 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-16}}</ref> and has publicly stated that "the government has the responsibility to uphold God's laws".<ref>The Stephen Nolan Show, BBC Radio Ulster, 17 July 2008 [http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/nolan/phonecallarchive/ BBC archive]</ref> Her expressed views on [[homosexuality]] caused controversy in 2008.


==Parliamentary record==
==Personal life==
⚫
Iris Robinson is a [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal Christian]] and is a member of the [[Metropolitan Tabernacle Belfast]], an [[Elim Pentecostal Church]] in Belfast. She married Peter Robinson on 26 July 1970; they have three children. They were the first husband and wife ever to represent Northern Ireland constituencies in Parliament at the same time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/apr/14/northernireland.northernireland1|title=Ulster's Chuckle Brothers will now give way to Brothers Grimm|last=McDonald|first=Henry|date=14 April 2008|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited|accessdate=7 January 2010}}</ref>

==Political career==
Robinson was first elected councillor for [[Castlereagh Borough Council]] in 1989, and served three times as Mayor. Elected to the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]] she served as member for Strangford from 1998, acting as Deputy Whip for the DUP and health spokesperson. She was a member of the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue from 1995 to 1997.

Robinson was elected as the [[Democratic Unionist Party]] (DUP) [[Member of Parliament|Member]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] (MP) for [[Strangford (constituency)|Strangford]], being first elected in the [[United Kingdom general election, 2001|2001 general election]], replacing [[Ulster Unionist Party]] MP, [[John David Taylor|John Taylor]]. She was re-elected in the [[United Kingdom general election, 2005|2005 General Election]].

Since taking up her seat in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], Robinson has voted in 32 percent of votes in parliament, below the average among MPs.<ref name="theyworkforyou">[http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/iris_robinson/strangford TheyWorkForYou.com - Iris Robinson]</ref> In her maiden speech she spoke about the "betrayal" felt by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, criticising the Government's policy on policing.<ref>[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo010625/debtext/10625-26.htm UK Parliament - Hansard (House of Commons Daily Debates) - Monday, 25 June 2001]</ref>
Since taking up her seat in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], Robinson has voted in 32 percent of votes in parliament, below the average among MPs.<ref name="theyworkforyou">[http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/iris_robinson/strangford TheyWorkForYou.com - Iris Robinson]</ref> In her maiden speech she spoke about the "betrayal" felt by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, criticising the Government's policy on policing.<ref>[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo010625/debtext/10625-26.htm UK Parliament - Hansard (House of Commons Daily Debates) - Monday, 25 June 2001]</ref>


Robinson's voting record shows that she voted strongly against introducing foundation hospitals, very strongly for the [[Iraq War]], moderately for an investigation into said war, voted moderately against [[LGBT rights]], and never voted on transparent Parliament or on replacing Trident.<ref name="theyworkforyou"/> Robinson also voted for Labour's 42-day terror detention, part of the [[Counter-Terrorism Bill 2008|Counter-Terrorism Bill]].<ref>[http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1846&showall=yes#divisions The Public Whip - Voting record summary]</ref>
Robinson's voting record shows that she voted strongly against introducing foundation hospitals, very strongly for the [[Iraq War]], moderately for an investigation into said war, voted moderately against [[LGBT rights]], and never voted on transparent Parliament or on replacing Trident.<ref name="theyworkforyou"/> Robinson also voted for Labour's 42-day terror detention, part of the [[Counter-Terrorism Bill 2008|Counter-Terrorism Bill]].<ref>[http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1846&showall=yes#divisions The Public Whip - Voting record summary]</ref>


==Controversy==
===Controversy===
Robinson was suspended from Stormont for a day on 19 November 2007 after refusing to withdraw "unparliamentary" comments she had made about the health minister, [[Michael McGimpsey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7101855.stm "Robinson ordered out of Stormont"], [[BBC News]], 19 November 2007, accessed 7 June 2008</ref>
Robinson was suspended from Stormont for a day on 19 November 2007 after refusing to withdraw "unparliamentary" comments she had made about the health minister, [[Michael McGimpsey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7101855.stm "Robinson ordered out of Stormont"], [[BBC News]], 19 November 2007, accessed 7 June 2008</ref>


===Comments about homosexuality===
====Comments about homosexuality====
In June 2008, shortly after a homophobic attack (involving physical assault) on a gay man in Northern Ireland, she made comments on the [[BBC Radio Ulster]]'s ''[[The Stephen Nolan Show|Stephen Nolan Show]]'' offering to recommend homosexuals to psychiatric counselling.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/nolan/listenagain/ Listen to broadcast from show archives], accessed 6 June 2008</ref> While condemning the attack,<ref>Tony Grew [http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7858.html "MP reacts to homophobic assault by suggesting "ex-gay" therapy for victim",] ''Pink News'', 6 June 2008, retrieved 8 June 2008.</ref> she claimed that homosexuality was an "abomination" and it made her feel "sick" and "nauseous", and offered to refer homosexuals to a psychiatrist she knew. In a subsequent interview Mrs Robinson defended her views and denied prejudice against LGBT people, saying that "just as a murderer can be redeemed by the blood of [[Christ]], so can a homosexual.... If anyone takes issue, they're taking issue with the word of [[God]]".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7447850.stm ''Attack victim lambasts Robinson'']</ref> Her comments were rebuffed by representatives of the [[Royal College of Psychiatrists]], the [[Rainbow Project]], the [[Alliance Party of Northern Ireland|Alliance Party]], <ref>[http://www.allianceparty.org/news/003825/alliance_blasts_robinsons_offensive_comments_on_gay_people.html ''Alliance blasts Robinson's offensive comments on gay people''] Alliance blasts Robinson's offensive comments on gay people, Alliance Party, 6 June 2008, accessed on 24 January 2009.</ref> [[Sinn Féin]],<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7439661.stm "Gay counselling' call rejected",] BBC News, 6 June 2008, accessed 7 June 2008</ref> and the [[Social Democratic and Labour Party]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroom_media/newsarticle/kelly_condemns_homophobic_robinson_/|title=Kelly Condemns Homophobic Robinson|date=8 June 2008|work=Social Democratic and Labour Party}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroom_media/newsarticle/mcdermott_slams_robinsons_homophobic_remarks/|title=Mcdermott Slams Robinson's Homophobic Remarks|date=9 June 2008|work=Social Democratic and Labour Party}}</ref> The psychiatrist in question, Dr. Paul Miller, later resigned as her "adviser", and temporarily stood down from his post of consultant psychiatrist at Belfast's Mater hospital.<ref>[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/psychiatrist-in-gay-storm-steps-down-from-belfast-hospital-13938019.html ''Belfast Telegraph'' - "Psychiatrist in gay storm steps down from Belfast hospital", 13 August 2008]</ref> A police investigation followed these comments, over 100 complaints were made,<ref name="BBCethics">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/ethics/ BBC Will and Testament|William Crawley's broadcasting diary]</ref><ref name="belfasttelegraph">{{citenews|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/police-probe-iris-robinsonrsquos-8216gay8217-remarks-13507747.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|title=Police probe Iris Robinson's ‘gay’ remarks|date=9 June 2008|last=Moulton|first=Emily}}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7443323.stm BBC News - "New criticism over MP's gay views"]</ref> and [[LGBT social movements|gay rights]] activist Robert Toner also made a complaint to the Equality Commission.<ref name="BBCethics"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/man-suing-iris-robinson-over-her-comments-on-gays-13507743.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|title=Man suing Iris Robinson over her comments on gays|date=12 June 2008|last=Henry|first=Lesley-Anne}}</ref><ref>[http://www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/dpp_list_of_independent_and_political_members_31-3-08.doc DPP List of independent and political members, 31 March 2008]</ref><ref>[http://http://www.andrewmuir.net/about/chrono3.htm Andrew Muir chronological history]</ref>
In June 2008, shortly after a homophobic attack (involving physical assault) on a gay man in Northern Ireland, she made comments on the [[BBC Radio Ulster]]'s ''[[The Stephen Nolan Show|Stephen Nolan Show]]'' offering to recommend homosexuals to psychiatric counselling.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/nolan/listenagain/ Listen to broadcast from show archives], accessed 6 June 2008</ref> While condemning the attack,<ref>Tony Grew [http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7858.html "MP reacts to homophobic assault by suggesting "ex-gay" therapy for victim",] ''Pink News'', 6 June 2008, retrieved 8 June 2008.</ref> she claimed that homosexuality was an "abomination" and it made her feel "sick" and "nauseous", and offered to refer homosexuals to a psychiatrist she knew. In a subsequent interview Mrs Robinson defended her views and denied prejudice against LGBT people, saying that "just as a murderer can be redeemed by the blood of [[Christ]], so can a homosexual.... If anyone takes issue, they're taking issue with the word of [[God]]".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7447850.stm ''Attack victim lambasts Robinson'']</ref> Her comments were rebuffed by representatives of the [[Royal College of Psychiatrists]], the [[Rainbow Project]], the [[Alliance Party of Northern Ireland|Alliance Party]], <ref>[http://www.allianceparty.org/news/003825/alliance_blasts_robinsons_offensive_comments_on_gay_people.html ''Alliance blasts Robinson's offensive comments on gay people''] Alliance blasts Robinson's offensive comments on gay people, Alliance Party, 6 June 2008, accessed on 24 January 2009.</ref> [[Sinn Féin]],<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7439661.stm "Gay counselling' call rejected",] BBC News, 6 June 2008, accessed 7 June 2008</ref> and the [[Social Democratic and Labour Party]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroom_media/newsarticle/kelly_condemns_homophobic_robinson_/|title=Kelly Condemns Homophobic Robinson|date=8 June 2008|work=Social Democratic and Labour Party}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroom_media/newsarticle/mcdermott_slams_robinsons_homophobic_remarks/|title=Mcdermott Slams Robinson's Homophobic Remarks|date=9 June 2008|work=Social Democratic and Labour Party}}</ref> The psychiatrist in question, Dr. Paul Miller, later resigned as her "adviser", and temporarily stood down from his post of consultant psychiatrist at Belfast's Mater hospital.<ref>[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/psychiatrist-in-gay-storm-steps-down-from-belfast-hospital-13938019.html ''Belfast Telegraph'' - "Psychiatrist in gay storm steps down from Belfast hospital", 13 August 2008]</ref> A police investigation followed these comments, over 100 complaints were made,<ref name="BBCethics">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/ethics/ BBC Will and Testament|William Crawley's broadcasting diary]</ref><ref name="belfasttelegraph">{{citenews|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/police-probe-iris-robinsonrsquos-8216gay8217-remarks-13507747.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|title=Police probe Iris Robinson's ‘gay’ remarks|date=9 June 2008|last=Moulton|first=Emily}}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7443323.stm BBC News - "New criticism over MP's gay views"]</ref> and [[LGBT social movements|gay rights]] activist Robert Toner also made a complaint to the Equality Commission.<ref name="BBCethics"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/man-suing-iris-robinson-over-her-comments-on-gays-13507743.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|title=Man suing Iris Robinson over her comments on gays|date=12 June 2008|last=Henry|first=Lesley-Anne}}</ref><ref>[http://www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/dpp_list_of_independent_and_political_members_31-3-08.doc DPP List of independent and political members, 31 March 2008]</ref><ref>[http://http://www.andrewmuir.net/about/chrono3.htm Andrew Muir chronological history]</ref>


Line 67: Line 74:
Iris Robinson's comments were investigated by the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]] for using threatening, abusive or insulting words which have the likelihood to stir up hatred and arouse fear.<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-investigate-mps-antigay-remarks-1050237.html</ref> The police found that no offence had been committed and on 20 March 2009, the [[Public Prosecution Service]] confirmed that Robinson would not be prosecuted for her comments. <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7955497.stm</ref> The [[Rainbow Project]] in Belfast described the decision as "a complete miscarriage of justice".<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/20/iris-robinson-homosexuality-complaints</ref>
Iris Robinson's comments were investigated by the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]] for using threatening, abusive or insulting words which have the likelihood to stir up hatred and arouse fear.<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-investigate-mps-antigay-remarks-1050237.html</ref> The police found that no offence had been committed and on 20 March 2009, the [[Public Prosecution Service]] confirmed that Robinson would not be prosecuted for her comments. <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7955497.stm</ref> The [[Rainbow Project]] in Belfast described the decision as "a complete miscarriage of justice".<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/20/iris-robinson-homosexuality-complaints</ref>


===Expenses row===
====Expenses row====
In April 2009, both Iris and Peter Robinson came under fire after Commons MPs' expenses accounts were leaked to the press. The couple were branded ''"swish family Robinson"'' after claims that they were receiving £571,939.41 a year in various salaries and expenses,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7986031.stm BBC newsreport on Iris and Peter Robinson's salaries and expenses]</ref> with a further £150,000 in salaries being paid to four of the couple's family members.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1167726/MP-couple-taking-570-000-taxpayer-salaries-expenses.html ''Daily Mail'' report on the Robinsons' salaries and expenses]</ref>
In April 2009, both Iris and Peter Robinson came under fire after Commons MPs' expenses accounts were leaked to the press. The couple were branded ''"swish family Robinson"'' after claims that they were receiving £571,939.41 a year in various salaries and expenses,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7986031.stm BBC newsreport on Iris and Peter Robinson's salaries and expenses]</ref> with a further £150,000 in salaries being paid to four of the couple's family members.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1167726/MP-couple-taking-570-000-taxpayer-salaries-expenses.html ''Daily Mail'' report on the Robinsons' salaries and expenses]</ref>


==Personal life==
===Retirement===
⚫
On 28 December, 2009, Robinson announced her decision to quit politics after admitting she has suffered serious bouts of depression. She said the stress and strain of public life came at a cost and her health had suffered.<ref>http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1228/robinsoni.html</ref>

⚫
Iris Robinson is a [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal Christian]] and is a member of the [[Metropolitan Tabernacle Belfast]], an [[Elim Pentecostal Church]] in Belfast. She married Peter Robinson on 26 July 1970; they have three children. They are the first husband and wife ever to represent Northern Ireland constituencies in Parliament at the same time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/apr/14/northernireland.northernireland1|title=Ulster's Chuckle Brothers will now give way to Brothers Grimm|last=McDonald|first=Henry|date=14 April 2008|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited|accessdate=7 January 2010}}</ref>

==Extramarital affair, attempted suicide and resignation==

⚫
On the 28 December, 2009, Iris Robinson announced her decision to quit politics after admitting she has suffered serious bouts of depression. She said the stress and strain of public life came at a cost and her health had suffered.<ref>http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1228/robinsoni.html</ref>


On 6 January 2010, following her retirement, she issued a statement in which she admitted that she had attempted [[suicide]] following the exposure of her role in an [[extramarital affair]] during 2009, with a teenager. She also admitted encouraging friends to provide financial backing to assist her lover in a business venture. <ref>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6978348.ece</ref> [[BBC]]'s ''[[Spotlight (BBC News)|Spotlight]]'' programme revealed on January 7, 2010 that her lover was a 19 year old man when the affair began.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8447352.stm|title=Iris Robinson had teenage lover|date=7 January 2010|publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=7 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jan/07/peter-iris-robinson-bbc-investigation|title=Peter and Iris Robinson face questions after BBC documentary|last=McDonald|first=Henry|date=7 January 2010|publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|accessdate=7 January 2010}}</ref> It has since been revealed by the media that the payments she arranged from property developers to her former lover, Kirk McCambley, were not declared to the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]] and this broke the law. Iris Robinson subsequently received £5,000 from Kirk McCambley as a gift. Peter Robinson pressed his wife to return this money, but he failed to tell the proper authorities about the transaction, despite being obliged to act in the public interest as First Minister of Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8447383.stm|title=Iris Robinson business deal broke law|date=8 January 2010|publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=8 January 2010}}</ref>
On 6 January 2010, following her retirement, she issued a statement in which she admitted that she had attempted [[suicide]] following the exposure of her role in an [[extramarital affair]] during 2009, with a teenager. She also admitted encouraging friends to provide financial backing to assist her lover in a business venture. <ref>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6978348.ece</ref> [[BBC]]'s ''[[Spotlight (BBC News)|Spotlight]]'' programme revealed on January 7, 2010 that her lover was a 19 year old man when the affair began.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8447352.stm|title=Iris Robinson had teenage lover|date=7 January 2010|publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=7 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jan/07/peter-iris-robinson-bbc-investigation|title=Peter and Iris Robinson face questions after BBC documentary|last=McDonald|first=Henry|date=7 January 2010|publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|accessdate=7 January 2010}}</ref> According to a BBC investigation, the payments she arranged from property developers to her former lover, Kirk McCambley, were not declared to the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]] and this broke the law. Iris Robinson subsequently received £5,000 from Kirk McCambley as a gift. Peter Robinson pressed his wife to return this money, but he failed to tell the proper authorities about the transaction, despite being obliged to act in the public interest as First Minister of Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8447383.stm|title=Iris Robinson business deal broke law|date=8 January 2010|publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=8 January 2010}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 10:27, 8 January 2010

Iris Robinson
MLA, MP
Spokesman for Health, Youth and Women
Incumbent
Assumed office
2001
LeaderPeter Robinson
Member of Parliament
for Strangford
Incumbent
Assumed office
7 June 2001
Preceded byJohn Taylor
Majority13,049 (35.2%)
Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly
for Strangford
Incumbent
Assumed office
25 June 1998
Preceded bynew assembly
Personal details
Born (1949-09-06) 6 September 1949 (age 75)
Belfast, Northern Ireland
NationalityBritish
Political partyDemocratic Unionist Party
SpousePeter Robinson (3 children)
Websiteofficial website

Iris Robinson (born 6 September 1949, Belfast, Northern Ireland as Iris Collins) is a Northern Ireland Unionist politician.

She is the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (MP) for Strangford, and was first elected in the 2001 general election, replacing Ulster Unionist Party MP, John Taylor. She was re-elected in the 2005 General Election. She was first elected councillor for Castlereagh Borough Council in 1989, and served three times as Mayor. Elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly she has served as member for Strangford since 1998; acting as Deputy Whip for the DUP and health spokesperson. She was a member of the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue from 1995 to 1997. In December 2009, she announced that she would leave politics and withdraw from public life following prolonged periods of mental illness.[1] More recently there have been revalations about an extra-marital affair which some[who?] believe are the reason for her quitting politics.

She is married to Peter Robinson, who is currently First Minister and the DUP leader, MP for Belfast East, Assembly member and a former Castlereagh councillor.

Robinson describes herself as a born again Christian,[2] and has publicly stated that "the government has the responsibility to uphold God's laws".[3] Her expressed views on homosexuality caused controversy in 2008.

Personal life

Iris Robinson is a Pentecostal Christian and is a member of the Metropolitan Tabernacle Belfast, an Elim Pentecostal Church in Belfast. She married Peter Robinson on 26 July 1970; they have three children. They were the first husband and wife ever to represent Northern Ireland constituencies in Parliament at the same time.[4]

Political career

Robinson was first elected councillor for Castlereagh Borough Council in 1989, and served three times as Mayor. Elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly she served as member for Strangford from 1998, acting as Deputy Whip for the DUP and health spokesperson. She was a member of the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue from 1995 to 1997.

Robinson was elected as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (MP) for Strangford, being first elected in the 2001 general election, replacing Ulster Unionist Party MP, John Taylor. She was re-elected in the 2005 General Election.

Since taking up her seat in the House of Commons, Robinson has voted in 32 percent of votes in parliament, below the average among MPs.[5] In her maiden speech she spoke about the "betrayal" felt by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, criticising the Government's policy on policing.[6]

Robinson's voting record shows that she voted strongly against introducing foundation hospitals, very strongly for the Iraq War, moderately for an investigation into said war, voted moderately against LGBT rights, and never voted on transparent Parliament or on replacing Trident.[5] Robinson also voted for Labour's 42-day terror detention, part of the Counter-Terrorism Bill.[7]

Controversy

Robinson was suspended from Stormont for a day on 19 November 2007 after refusing to withdraw "unparliamentary" comments she had made about the health minister, Michael McGimpsey.[8]

Comments about homosexuality

In June 2008, shortly after a homophobic attack (involving physical assault) on a gay man in Northern Ireland, she made comments on the BBC Radio Ulster's Stephen Nolan Show offering to recommend homosexuals to psychiatric counselling.[9] While condemning the attack,[10] she claimed that homosexuality was an "abomination" and it made her feel "sick" and "nauseous", and offered to refer homosexuals to a psychiatrist she knew. In a subsequent interview Mrs Robinson defended her views and denied prejudice against LGBT people, saying that "just as a murderer can be redeemed by the blood of Christ, so can a homosexual.... If anyone takes issue, they're taking issue with the word of God".[11] Her comments were rebuffed by representatives of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Rainbow Project, the Alliance Party, [12] Sinn Féin,[13] and the Social Democratic and Labour Party.[14][15] The psychiatrist in question, Dr. Paul Miller, later resigned as her "adviser", and temporarily stood down from his post of consultant psychiatrist at Belfast's Mater hospital.[16] A police investigation followed these comments, over 100 complaints were made,[17][18][19] and gay rights activist Robert Toner also made a complaint to the Equality Commission.[17][20][21][22]

Robinson again repeated her view in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 30 June 2008 when questioned by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey[23][24] in a discussion about "LGBT Groups: Mental-Health Needs". Speaking in a Northern Ireland Grand Committee session on Risk Assessment and Management of Sex Offenders, she said: "There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality and sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent children"[25] She reiterated her statement to the Belfast Telegraph on 21 June 2008,[26] but later claimed that she had been "misrepresented" in Hansard.[27] Her claims of misrepresentation were challenged when Alliance Party Executive Director Gerry Lynch confirmed with Hansard staff that Robinson's comments were in fact correctly quoted.[28] Further controversy was caused on 17 July 2008 when on the Stephen Nolan Show Robinson stated "it is the government's responsibility to uphold God's law".[29]

By late July 2008, the Belfast Telegraph reported that "[A]lmost 11,000 people have signed a petition calling on British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to reprimand DUP MP Iris Robinson over her controversial remarks about homosexuality" and "[Fewer than] 30 people have signed an opposing petition calling on the Prime Minister to allow the comments to go un-reprimanded as a matter of personal opinion and religion".[30] Links to petition were featured on a Labour Party website.[31] The Liberal Democrats[32] and Amnesty International[33] also featured similar links on their sites. The petiton ended with almost 16,000 petitioners. As a result of her comments, Robinson was nominated for "Bigot of the Year" for 2008 by gay rights association Stonewall.[34][35] In October 2008 Iris' husband, First Minister Peter Robinson, said “It wasn’t Iris Robinson who determined that homosexuality was an abomination, it was The Almighty. This is the Scriptures and it is a strange world indeed where somebody on the one hand talks about equality, but won’t allow Christians to have the equality, the right to speak, the right to express their views.” [36]

Iris Robinson's comments were investigated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland for using threatening, abusive or insulting words which have the likelihood to stir up hatred and arouse fear.[37] The police found that no offence had been committed and on 20 March 2009, the Public Prosecution Service confirmed that Robinson would not be prosecuted for her comments. [38] The Rainbow Project in Belfast described the decision as "a complete miscarriage of justice".[39]

Expenses row

In April 2009, both Iris and Peter Robinson came under fire after Commons MPs' expenses accounts were leaked to the press. The couple were branded "swish family Robinson" after claims that they were receiving £571,939.41 a year in various salaries and expenses,[40] with a further £150,000 in salaries being paid to four of the couple's family members.[41]

Retirement

On 28 December, 2009, Robinson announced her decision to quit politics after admitting she has suffered serious bouts of depression. She said the stress and strain of public life came at a cost and her health had suffered.[42]

On 6 January 2010, following her retirement, she issued a statement in which she admitted that she had attempted suicide following the exposure of her role in an extramarital affair during 2009, with a teenager. She also admitted encouraging friends to provide financial backing to assist her lover in a business venture. [43] BBC's Spotlight programme revealed on January 7, 2010 that her lover was a 19 year old man when the affair began.[44][45] According to a BBC investigation, the payments she arranged from property developers to her former lover, Kirk McCambley, were not declared to the Northern Ireland Assembly and this broke the law. Iris Robinson subsequently received £5,000 from Kirk McCambley as a gift. Peter Robinson pressed his wife to return this money, but he failed to tell the proper authorities about the transaction, despite being obliged to act in the public interest as First Minister of Northern Ireland.[46]

References

  1. ^ "DUP First Minister's wife Iris Robinson quits politics". BBC News. 28 December 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2009.
  2. ^ "Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, House of Commons". TheyWorkForYou. 12 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  3. ^ The Stephen Nolan Show, BBC Radio Ulster, 17 July 2008 BBC archive
  4. ^ McDonald, Henry (14 April 2008). "Ulster's Chuckle Brothers will now give way to Brothers Grimm". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 7 January 2010.
  5. ^ a b TheyWorkForYou.com - Iris Robinson
  6. ^ UK Parliament - Hansard (House of Commons Daily Debates) - Monday, 25 June 2001
  7. ^ The Public Whip - Voting record summary
  8. ^ "Robinson ordered out of Stormont", BBC News, 19 November 2007, accessed 7 June 2008
  9. ^ Listen to broadcast from show archives, accessed 6 June 2008
  10. ^ Tony Grew "MP reacts to homophobic assault by suggesting "ex-gay" therapy for victim", Pink News, 6 June 2008, retrieved 8 June 2008.
  11. ^ Attack victim lambasts Robinson
  12. ^ Alliance blasts Robinson's offensive comments on gay people Alliance blasts Robinson's offensive comments on gay people, Alliance Party, 6 June 2008, accessed on 24 January 2009.
  13. ^ "Gay counselling' call rejected", BBC News, 6 June 2008, accessed 7 June 2008
  14. ^ "Kelly Condemns Homophobic Robinson". Social Democratic and Labour Party. 8 June 2008.
  15. ^ "Mcdermott Slams Robinson's Homophobic Remarks". Social Democratic and Labour Party. 9 June 2008.
  16. ^ Belfast Telegraph - "Psychiatrist in gay storm steps down from Belfast hospital", 13 August 2008
  17. ^ a b BBC Will and Testament|William Crawley's broadcasting diary
  18. ^ Moulton, Emily (9 June 2008). "Police probe Iris Robinson's 'gay' remarks". Belfast Telegraph.
  19. ^ BBC News - "New criticism over MP's gay views"
  20. ^ Henry, Lesley-Anne (12 June 2008). "Man suing Iris Robinson over her comments on gays". Belfast Telegraph.
  21. ^ DPP List of independent and political members, 31 March 2008
  22. ^ Andrew Muir chronological history
  23. ^ The Assembly - Official Report, Monday, 30 June 2008
  24. ^ BBC NEWS: "Gay comments twisted"
  25. ^ Official House of Commons Committee minutes - "Risk Assessment and Management of Sex Offenders"
  26. ^ Belfast Telegraph - Iris: gays more vile than child abusers
  27. ^ BBC NEWS: "Gay comment inaccurate" - Robinson
  28. ^ "Alliance Party - Hansard confirms Robinson correctly quoted on homosexuality and paedophilia"
  29. ^ BBC newsreport on Iris Robinson's comments re homosexuality and abortion
  30. ^ Belfast Telegraph - "11,000 demand PM reprimands Iris for her outburst about gays", 23 July 2008
  31. ^ http://www.labourhome.org/story/2008/7/22/174232/415
  32. ^ http://www.libdemvoice.org/something-for-the-weekend-the-sun-goes-down-2862.html
  33. ^ http://blogs.amnesty.org.uk/blogs_entry.asp?eid=1639
  34. ^ http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-9517.html
  35. ^ "Who is Iris Robinson?". BBC News. 2009-12-29. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
  36. ^ Belfast Telegraph
  37. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-investigate-mps-antigay-remarks-1050237.html
  38. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7955497.stm
  39. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/20/iris-robinson-homosexuality-complaints
  40. ^ BBC newsreport on Iris and Peter Robinson's salaries and expenses
  41. ^ Daily Mail report on the Robinsons' salaries and expenses
  42. ^ http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1228/robinsoni.html
  43. ^ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6978348.ece
  44. ^ "Iris Robinson had teenage lover". BBC News. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 7 January 2010.
  45. ^ McDonald, Henry (7 January 2010). "Peter and Iris Robinson face questions after BBC documentary". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 January 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ "Iris Robinson business deal broke law". BBC News. 8 January 2010. Retrieved 8 January 2010.
Northern Ireland Assembly
Preceded by
New creation
 MLA for Strangford
1998 - 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
Parliament of the United Kingdom

Template:Incumbent succession box

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Iris_Robinson&oldid=336573839"