The Belfast Telegraph is reporting that Iris Robinson is under suicide watch. A DUP spokesman has confirmed to the paper that Robinson is under watch.

“The truth is that Iris remains in hospital under acute psychiatric care and under 24-hour suicide watch… Iris publicly admitted her one indiscretion and has paid a high price for it,” the spokesman said.

Photo via DUP on Flickr  published via CC-Non Commercial-No Derivative Works licence

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?

Tomorrow’s Sunday’s Tribune claims to have explosives details on the Iris Robinson affair *or * more properly affairs.

As well as describing the incredible fury and deep sadness that the Rev Ian Paisley has felt for the damage caused to the DUP following the revelations of the week, the real shock in the piece comes when the Sunday Tribune alleges that Mrs Robinson has had more affairs in the past.

Suzanne Breen writes:

Meanwhile, it emerged this weekend that Iris Robinson also had an affair with 19 year-old Kirk McCambley’s father, a butcher who died of cancer. She had another affair with a fellow DUP member in the 1980′s which was witnessed by the security forces.

Further on in the piece:

Iris Robinson’s affair with Kirk McCambley isn’t her first. She had an affair with a fellow DUP member in the 1980.

It was witnessed by security force members voluntarily guarding the Robinsons’ home after the RUC officially withdrew protection over Peter Robinson’s  loyalist invasion into Clontibret.

For your information, the Invasion of Clontibret was took place in 1986. Shocking allegations and surely not the end!

Update: Peter Robinson steps aside as First Minister.

Keeping the comments tight here. No speculation or allegations please!