Just an hour ago, word filtered through that Arlene Foster was replacing Peter Robinson as First Minister of Northern Ireland for the next six weeks. Interesting moves, indeed. Foster, commenting on the floor of Stormont said that this was just a case of her ‘acting up’ and that Robinson would remain First Minister.

And for as much as Foster reiterates, the division of powers between herself and Robinson creates an axis of responsibilities – something that hasn’t existed before in the office of First Minister – it also creates a point of weakness.

Robinson addressing the press, after Foster’s welcome in the chamber at Stormont, thanked the public for their support and reiterated his ethically and proper behaviour, more importantly, underlined his utter commitment to continue with the reform of policing and justice powers over the next couple of weeks.

The continuing stalling of reform in the areas of policing and justice – now at nearly three years – is a bone of contention between the DUP and Sinn Fein. The spikes at division of powers between Robinson and Foster point at this deepening separation. And while Sinn Fein do not want to dwell on IrisGate (as it sharpens focus on the Liam Adams issue) they are neatly pointing their ire at the uncertainty of the powers of First Minister.

On that – what can Robinson actually achieve in the next six weeks on the issues of policing and justice, those mechanics of devolution, that he at the peak of his political prowess and powers over the past three years has failed to complete. All while attempting to build some space for his family to deal with their current problems.

Is this a case of  Robinson stepping back from office of First Minister bit by bit, while trying to cement his political legacy and in doing so, leave a lasting impression on Northern Ireland? And further afield, what happens during the Westminister elections in the Summer?

arlene foster, dup, northern ireland, peter robinson, stormont