Northern Ireland politics reels from Donaldson’s sudden exit
THE resignation of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as DUP leader with immediate effect has sent shockwaves through politics in Northern Ireland.
Michelle O’Neill, the First Minister and Sinn Fein vice-president, said yesterday: “My priority is to continue to provide the leadership the public expect and deserve and to ensure the four-party Executive coalition delivers for the whole of our community.
“The DUP leader has resigned after being charged with serious offences. This is now a matter for the criminal justice system.”
Gavin Robinson, interim leader of the DUP, said Donaldson’s charges caused “tremendous shock” and added: “Our position is recognising that what has happened is difficult and we have taken the right and appropriate steps.” Donaldson has not resigned as MP for Lagan Valley and Mr Robinson did not rule out a by-election, saying: “What comes in the days and months in that regard is outside our control.”
Julian Smith, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 2019 to 2020, agreed the news was a “big shock to everybody”.
He added: “I’m not concerned this will lead to any change in the momentum behind powersharing and the stability that has brought, as it was returned a couple of months ago. In this leadership role he played a critical part. He led negotiations with the Government and worked with his party to move them from their position of staying out of the Executive, on the basis they didn’t agree with the Northern Ireland protocol, to returning.”
Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, said: “The leadership of the DUP is a matter for the DUP. We are mindful that this is now a criminal investigation and it would not be proper to comment further.”
Ireland’s department of foreign affairs said: “We note the appointment of an interim leader of the DUP.
“We will continue to work with all parties to ensure the full and effective functioning of the Good Friday Agreement institutions.”