DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson was back at Stormont today for the first time since his wife's announcement that she is to quit public life and their dramatic statements yesterday.
Iris Robinson issued a statement yesterday admitting that during a period of "serious mental illness" she had an affair with an unnamed man, an affair that prompted her attempt to take her own life.
Mr Robinson appeared at Stormont Castle today after holding meetings with staff at his constituency office and DUP headquarters. The Irish and British governments are particularly keen to see political business resumed between Sinn Féin and the DUP at Stormont.
Mr Robinson was due to hold talks with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on the stalled and controversial transfer of policing and justice powers. Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was also seen at Stormont, the first time he has been seen there since the Christmas break and revelations regarding his own family.
Senior ranking DUP members have rallied around their party leader, offering messages of support and quashing any talk of an alternative leader.
Finance minister Sammy Wilson said he had known Mr Robinson and his family for more than 30 years. “I cannot remember any other occasion when there has been such a massive outpouring of love, support and best-wishes towards them from right throughout the community,” Mr Wilson said.
"I know that it took massive personal bravery for Peter to come before the cameras and share the details of his private life. What Peter and Iris and their family are going through at the present time is a personal tragedy and needs to be respected as such.
"They deserve space and privacy. I would urge those in the media seeking to chase headlines to show some human compassion and decency. Peter Robinson is the foremost strategist in unionism. Under his leadership, Northern Ireland's place has been made more secure inside the United Kingdom. As he works for our community and leads the DUP, he has the total and absolute support of all his colleagues, and I believe the greater number of people in this province."
Industry minister Arlene Foster said Mr Robinson’s leadership qualities and vision were unique in Northern Ireland politics. “His contribution to Northern Ireland has been immeasurable and no one could question his determination, courage and dedication to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland in a professional manner. Peter is the undisputed leader of both Unionism and the DUP.”
Jeffrey Donaldson said nobody was in any doubt as to Mr Robinson’s devotion to his family and determination to work for the people of Northern Ireland.
“All political representatives are entitled to private space, but I believe the public, having already recognised the leadership and vision he has given to Northern Ireland during difficult times, will have a greater understanding of that when they now know other issues he was dealing with during some of those days,” Mr Donaldson added.
"Peter's contribution to the political future in Northern Ireland will continue and strengthen and everyone within the Democratic Unionist Party is strengthened in our resolve to build a better future for the Province and to see devolution improved and delivering for everyone in our community."
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said that while the Robinsons may face further questions "these will have to be dealt with in their turn".
"In the meantime we should not be prevented from getting on with our shared public responsibilities," he said. "Rather than soaking in speculation and rumour about more personal matters, the political process needs to end the uncertainty which is hurting so many services and sectors here.
He called on Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness to attend the Assembly next week. He said he wrote to them yesterday seeking a joint Assembly statement next week on the devolution of policing and justice and setting out their plans for taking this forward”.