Christopher Fraser MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Northern Ireland, has congratulated the Right Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA on his nomination as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Subject to formal ratification Peter Robinson, who has been Deputy Leader since 1980, will assume the role of Leader of the DUP and First Minister of Northern Ireland when the Rev Ian Paisley stands down in May.
Christopher Fraser said: “I am delighted that Peter Robinson has unanimously been chosen by the DUP Assembly members as their new Leader and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to him. I have always thought of Peter as an outstanding Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly. His selection is well-deserved and a testament to the very high esteem in which he is held in Northern Ireland and at Westminster. I am confident that he will do an excellent job in his new role.
I have known Peter for many years due to my involvement with the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. I was delighted when he agreed to be an Officer of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Northern Ireland. I am sure that he will lead the DUP with great enthusiasm, and, as First Minister, his experience and passion will help Northern Ireland to continue to move forward positively in its economic and social agenda. I wish him and Nigel Dodds, the new Deputy DUP Leader, with whom I served on the Council of Europe, all the best in their new positions.”
|