05/04/2024

DUP Remains 'Focused On The Task Ahead'

The DUP remains "focused on the task ahead", interim leader Gavin Robinson has said in his first public comment since the arrest of former leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

Donaldson resigned as party leader on Friday, 29 March, following his arrest on charges of rape and other historical sexual offences.
News Image
Speaking to the press on Thursday, 04 April, Gavin Robinson, described the past week as "incredibly difficult and shocking" but said that Donaldson's arrest "should not deflect from the important task we have ahead of us as representatives for unionism and for Northern Ireland".

Mr Robinson continued: "Let me assure you that our focus is undiminished on making sure our place in the UK is as strong as it can be, recognising the importance associated with the restoration of devolution."

When asked if he had the full support of his party, Mr Robinson said that there were "no mixed messages" about support for his appointment as interim leader.

He added that discussions about the leadership and now vacant deputy leader position would continue in the coming weeks.


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 February 2024
Man Arrested In Connection With Ballymena Drug Seizure
A man has been arrested and suspected Class A and B drugs worth an estimated £90,000 seized in a Paramilitary Crime Task Force operation in Ballymena on Saturday, 10 February.
24 April 2024
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson And Wife Appear In Court
Former DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have appeared before Newry Magistrates Court charged with a number of historical sex offences. Donaldson, 61, is facing a total of 11 charges, including one charge of rape, one of gross indecency involving a child and nine charges of indecent assault.
25 April 2024
Drugs And Cash Seized In Donaghadee Search Operation
PSNI detectives investigation criminality linked to West Belfast UDA have carried out a search operation in Doneghadee. On Wednesday, 24 April, officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force conducted a search of a property under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
16 February 2024
NI Policing Board Meet With PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has held a meeting with officers, staff and partners from the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF). Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Neill provided Policing Board members with an insight into the work of Organised Crime teams, with a focus on the role of the PCTF.
19 February 2024
Fourteen Sentenced In East Belfast UVF Investigation
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of thirteen men and one woman in connection with an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. The defendants were sentenced over the five-week period, from 11 January to 16 February, at Belfast Crown Court.