Portrait of Peter Robison unveiled at Stormont as former First Minister praises wife fighting cancer

The portrait of a former First Minister of Northern Ireland has been unveiled at Stormont.

Peter Robinson said the event had been delayed for some time due to the “unpredictable ups and downs” of his wife’s illness.

He praised Iris for the “remarkable courage and tenacity” she has shown while battling cancer.

Mr Robinson said: “Probably it brings me out with a lot more respect for those who are involved in our health services.

“We really do have some tremendous people working in our hospitals and elsewhere in our health service.

“They don’t get the credit that they deserve.

“Maybe a bit more of the funding should go to them rather than those who are administrators of the process.”

The former leader of the DUP also spoke about prospect of an Irish unity poll, which he labelled a "distraction".

Mr Robinson said there was no reason why the UK Government should move towards a unity referendum and predicted a united Ireland would not happen in his lifetime.

The 76-year-old said: “I think when the earth is put on my coffin we will still be in the United Kingdom.”

He added: “I am not worried about the outcome of a border poll.

“There is no reason why the Government should move toward a border poll.

“There isn’t the desire, except in some specific circles, for a united Ireland or for a border poll.

“Quite honestly it is a distraction from the real work that needs to be done. That is looking at our health and education systems, infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

“If we all concentrated on how we could improve people’s lives, I think more progress would be made.”

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