DUP leader Peter Robinson is to step down as Northern Ireland First Minister for six weeks amid the storm over his wife's private life and finances.
Mr Robinson has designated Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to take charge with immediate effect.
Mr Robinson is facing a claim that he knew his wife obtained £50,000 from two developers for her teenage lover but did not tell the proper authorities.
The NI assembly is to investigate the conduct of both Robinsons
Swapping Peter Robinson for Arlene Foster may not seem like a big shift, even for six weeks but she has shown herself to be one of the most hardline unionists and certainly not a friend to the nationalist community.
In all honesty I was expecting Gregory Campbell or Nigel Dodds to take over.
The next six months are sure to test the longevity and effectiveness of the Stormont Assembley. An election due for May/June will pit the DUP against a resurgent UUP and the TUV are sure to make gains. I expect Arlene and the DUP may now take a hardline against Sinn Féin and nationalists in order to make them seem more appealing to people thinking about jumping ship to the TUV.
Even in North Belfast it is not inconcievable that Gerry Kelly can win the seat if a split happens in the Unionist vote.
2010 is sure to be make or break for Stormont...
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