Betting on next First Minister has already started

Paddy Power are quoting Nigel Dodds as the red hot favourite at odds of 6/5 to take over the reins at Stormont. Next is the MP for East Antrim Sammy Wilson at 9/4 and Edwin Poots at 3/1.

Other names in the frame include Robin Newton at 10/1 and Jeffrey Donaldson at 12/1 Lower down the list Rev William McCrea is running at 500/1, with Iris Robinson quoted at 1000/1.

The bookmakers also make the likelihood of a new Northern Ireland First Minister being elected this year almost certain at odds of 1/2.

Betting-

Will there be a new First Minister in 2010-1/2 Yes, 6/4 No

Next Northern Ireland First Minister after Peter Robinson

6/5 Nigel Dodds

9/4 Sammy Wilson

3/1 Edwin Poots

10/1 Robin Newton

12/1 Jeffrey Donaldson

12/1 Nelson McCausland

16/1 Arlene Foster

18/1 David Simpson

20/1 Gregory Campbell

25/1 Ian Paisley

100/1 Ian Paisley Jr

500/1 William McCrea

1000/1 Iris Robinson