Robinson back as First Minister

Democratic Unionist leader Peter Robinson resumed his role as Northern Ireland's First Minister last night, saying he had been cleared of breaching his code of office over the financial scandal surrounding his wife.

He stepped down temporarily from the job last month after his wife, Iris Robinson, secured a £50,000 loan to set her teenage lover up in business. Mr Robinson is currently engaged in crucial talks to save the power-sharing government. Gordon Brown flew to Belfast to take part in these talks last month.

Last night he said a legal review had ruled he had not breached his ministerial code over the allegations, which were raised in a BBC investigative documentary programme, that he should have informed authorities of his wife's financial dealings.

Mr Robinson replaces temporary First Minister, Arlene Foster. He said: "I welcome the detailed advice which follows a thorough and comprehensive examination of all the issues raised in the programme that, on the material provided, his considered view was that there were no breaches whatsoever by me of the ministerial code, the ministerial code of conduct, the Pledge of Office and the seven principals of public life."