Politics

Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams leads good wishes to Peter Robinson

DUP leader Peter Robinson in his office in Stormont. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire 
DUP leader Peter Robinson in his office in Stormont. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire  DUP leader Peter Robinson in his office in Stormont. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire 
By David Young and Press Association

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams was among the first to wish Peter Robinson well in retirement after the First Minister and DUP leader announced he would be stepping down.

Once implacable foes, the two were central to the landmark deal that saw a previously unthinkable coalition of Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionists assume the reins of power at Stormont in 2006.

"Good luck 2 Peter Robinson," Mr Adams tweeted.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain, who was recently made a peer, hailed Mr Robinson's contribution to the peace process.

"If Ian Paisley was the unionist pilot of the peace process then Peter Robinson was the unionist navigator, an indispensable part of the project that has established self-government and a permanent settlement between bitter old enemies," said the former Labour minister.

"He will stand tall because of that and because of his leadership as First Minister."