Iris Robinson gets psychiatric care

Shamed MP Iris Robinson is receiving acute psychiatric treatment in Belfast, her husband has confirmed.

First Minister Peter Robinson moved to quash media speculation about her whereabouts as he faced fresh pressure over his own conduct.

Mrs Robinson is quitting after it was revealed she had an affair with a toyboy lover young enough to be her grandson.

Mr Robinson said: "Iris is receiving acute psychiatric treatment from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust."

Pressure has mounted on Mr Robinson following the exposure of his wife's affair, and former First Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly Lord Trimble claimed Mr Robinson had lost his authority. However, DUP Finance Minister Sammy Wilson insisted he still commanded support.

Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward warned Mr Robinson's resignation could trigger an early Assembly election, and Mrs Robinson is expected to step down within days.

Mr Robinson has vowed to clear his name after vehemently denying any knowledge of his wife's irregular financial affairs, which if he did know, should have been reported to the parliamentary authorities.

Mr Woodward refused to speculate about Mr Robinson's future, but insisted the devolution process was "bigger than one man". He said: "It is a responsibility on everyone in the Assembly to understand that the consequences of allowing the political process to slide would undoubtedly have an impact on the broader canvas."