- By Jayne McCormack
- BBC News NI political correspondent
4 hours ago
Image source, Getty/Stephen Barnes
The Stormont executive will have the government’s “full support” to maintain stability, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.
He was asked to comment amid upheaval in the DUP after the resignation of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as party leader.
He stood down after he was charged with rape and other historical sexual offenses – allegations he said he would strenuously contest.
Mr Sunak said he had worked “very hard” to restore the executive.
“I am reassured that everyone is committed to delivering that stability going forward,” he said.
He said he had worked with the East Belfast MP in the past.
“People in Northern Ireland have waited a long time to have the executive back up and running, it’s important they continue to do so, and they’ll have our full support.”
Image source, Getty/Bloomberg
Rishi Sunak, pictured in March says politicians will be given “full support” from Westminster
The first and deputy prime ministers have also pledged to maintain stability in the wake of Sir Jeffrey’s resignation on Friday.
Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill said the parties now had to “knuckle down” and “do the business of government”.
DUP assembly member and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said on Saturday she was “determined” to do all she could to ensure political stability in the days ahead.
Mr Robinson has said the party’s thoughts were with those who have “put their faith in the justice system”.
On Friday, the DUP said Sir Jeffrey had confirmed he had been charged with historical allegations and was stepping down as leader.
The party’s officers suspended him from membership, pending the outcome of the case.
Sir Jeffrey’s letter to the DUP said he would be strenuously contesting the charges.
He and the 57-year-old woman were both arrested on Thursday morning by PSNI detectives and were questioned before being charged on Thursday night.
He and the woman are due to appear in court in April.
