Northern Ireland Unionist politician Iris Robinson's love affair with a teenager is said to have threatened to wreck Ulster's fragile power-sharing deal
Northern Ireland Unionist politician Iris Robinson's love affair with a teenager is said to have threatened to wreck Ulster's fragile power-sharing deal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Iris, MP for Strangford, was given 50,000 pounds by two wealthy property developers, which she handed to Kirk McCambley, then 19, to set up a cafe business she had identified for him.
The 60-year-old MP and wife of the Democratic Unionist leader faces allegations that she did not declare her financial interest in the business, despite sitting on the local council that awarded the tender to the teenager.
The allegations were made in a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight documentary on January 7, sending shockwaves through the province. "While I have learned from Spotlight for the first time some alleged aspects of my wife's affair and her financial arrangements, I will be resolutely defending attacks on my character and contesting any allegations of wrongdoing," the Daily Express quoted the First Minister as saying.
Iris faced calls from the Alliance Party and the Ulster Unionist Party to step down as Strangford MP and Northern Ireland Assembly member following her announcement that she was withdrawing from public life because of mental health problems.
The scandal broke when Iris issued a statement admitting the affair with McCambley and revealing that she had tried to take her own life in March last year because she was racked with guilt.
Selwyn Black, a former adviser to the MP, who resigned over the loans issue, told the programme that Iris encouraged McCambley to bid for the tender to run a cafe.
McCambley, now 21, said Iris had both cheques made out in his name but when she handed them over she also asked him for 5,000 pounds back in cash.
However, it is claimed that she failed to register her financial interest to fellow councillors. She also faces claims that she did not record the two loans on her declaration of interests at Stormont and Westminster. (ANI)
The First Minister became aware of the situation but did not alert Castlereagh Council, the Stormont Assembly, Westminster or any parliamentary watchdog.
"They both knew the consequences and did nothing to address that circumstance," Black added.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
