Emma Little-Pengery, deputy first minister of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, said “victims must always have the best chance of justice”.
it appears after Sir Geoffrey Donaldson resigns as DUP leader on Friday Because he faces charges of alleged historical crimes.
Ms Little-Pengelly said she was “shocked and devastated by the news”.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengeri. Image: PA
She added: “Victims must always have the best chance of justice. This must be fully respected and supported.”
“My heart goes out to those suffering who put their trust in the criminal justice system.
“Protecting the integrity of this process requires strict restrictions on speech. I have confidence in our justice system.”
Ms Little-Pengeri went on to say she was “determined” to work with interim leader Gavin Robinson to “provide stability” and continue to “address the significant issues facing Northern Ireland”.
It is understood donaldson All accusations against him will be “strongly refuted”.
The 61-year-old has led the party since 2021 and has been the Lagan Valley MP since 1997.
He is due to appear in court in Newry, County Down, on April 24.
In the same police investigation, a 57-year-old woman was charged with aiding and abetting an offence.
Read more: Who is Sir Geoffrey Donaldson?
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Gavin Robinson said: “This is a devastating revelation.”
Deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed interim leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Senior DUP MP Sammy Wilson said Donaldson’s shock resignation had left the party in “disarray”, adding that it was “dumbfounded” by what had happened.
“We were all shocked, it was completely unexpected,” he told Cool FM News.
“I think it was just the night before that we found out about it. We had a meeting first thing in the morning and all of us were surprised by what was going on because there was absolutely no indication that there was anything of this nature. Things are falling apart.”
He added: “Any party that is hit by this is bound to fall into chaos.”
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