News

Gareth Robinson follows in father's footsteps with estate agents firm

Both Gareth Robinson and father Peter Robinson have registered new business interests. Picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker
Both Gareth Robinson and father Peter Robinson have registered new business interests. Picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker

FORMER first minister Peter Robinson's son Gareth is following in his footsteps by starting a property business.

Mr Robinson has set up a new company called NI KSD, which according to Companies House involves 'buying and selling of own real estate'.

The 38-year-old former Castlereagh councillor, who helped boxer Barry McGuigan promote 2014's 'Titanic Showdown' bout between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martínez, already operates PR firm Verbatim Communications.

His new company, which was registered in July at an address on High Street in Belfast, is a partnership with 36-year-old Oliver Hassay.

NI KSD is similar to Verbatim in that no publicity information for the firm can be found on the internet or elsewhere.

The Irish News tried to locate the city centre office and speak to Mr Robinson about his new venture but was unsuccessful.

The former DUP leader's son cropped up recently in secret recordings of businessman Frank Cushnahan accepting £40,000 in cash from Co Down developer John Miskelly.

Aired by BBC Spotlight last month, the two men also discussed payments to Gareth Robinson.

A previous broadcast included clandestine recordings where where a phone call was mentioned between Gareth Robinson and Mr Miskelly, in which he advised the developer to contact Mr Cushnahan.

What is Nama?Opens in new window ]

Former Nama adviser Mr Cushnahan is at the centre of the probe into the £1.24bn sale of Project Eagle.

Other firms the former first minister's son is a director with include Advocate Contracts and Advocate Public Affairs, both of which are registered at 92 High Street alongside Verbatim.

Earlier this month, Mr Robinson resigned as a director of Wanted.Coffee Limited.

Last year The Irish News reported how he had unlimited access to Stormont, a privilege normally reserved for assembly staff, MLAs and party workers.

Before becoming a founding member of the DUP in 1971, Peter Robinson worked as an estate agent.

In June, The Irish News reported how the former party leader launched his own Belfast-based company.

Mr Robinson (67) is sole director of Rock Global Services Group Limited (RGSG).

In an email to The Irish News Mr Robinson said: "I have registered a company RGSG to cover any business arrangements I may undertake in the future.

"I am, as I said when leaving office, taking time to consider my options. I have not entered into any business undertakings yet....

"I'm still holding out for my offer from The Irish News to write for them. Lol."