Stormont investigation into the Robinsons is suspended

The Stormont Assembly is investigating Peter and Iris Robinson

A NI Assembly investigation into the conduct of Peter and Iris Robinson has been suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation.

The Assembly's Standards and Privileges Committee began its inquiry on 11 January, days after a BBC documentary about the couple was broadcast.

Mr Robinson denied any wrongdoing after the programme revealed details of his wife's financial and business affairs.

The police investigation into Mrs Robinson began on 21 January.

The assembly committee said it had been advised that the PSNI was to investigate matters arising from the BBC Spotlight programme which was broadcast on 7 January.

Ministerial code

The documentary alleged that Mrs Robinson obtained £50,000 from two property developers to help her teenage lover to run a cafe in south Belfast, and asked him for £5,000 for herself.

She failed to register the money with the authorities at Stormont and also failed to tell the Westminster authorities, as required by the law.

Spotlight also reported that Mr Robinson became aware of his wife's involvement in the business deal but failed to tell the proper authorities, despite being obliged to act in the public interest by the ministerial code.

Mr Robinson has stepped aside as first minister of Northern Ireland temporarily to clear his name but the DUP leader is still involved in negotiations about the devolution of policing and justice to Stormont.

Mrs Robison has since resigned as an MP, an MLA and member of Castlereagh Borough Council and is receiving acute psychiatric care.