Robinson probe call 'very brave' - Campbell

The leading Londonderry unionist was speaking in the wake of the revelation that the First Minister's wife Iris Robinson - MP, MLA and Castlereagh Borough councillor - had not declared the fact that she obtained 50,000 from two property developers.

Mrs Robinson subsequently gave the money to her 19-year-old lover Kirk McCambley to help him launch a cafe. She later asked him for 5,000 for herself.

Peter Robinson has robustly denied any wrong-doing on his part despite BBC Spotlight's allegation that he knew of his wife's surreptitious - she failed to register them as an Interest at the Assembly - financial transactions

Now Mr Campbell - already touted alongside another Londonderry man, Nigel Dodds, as a potential DUP leadership candidate should the First Minister yield to the increasing political pressure for him to resign - says his boss should be given a week to prove his innocence.

He made the comments after Mr Robinson said he had asked officials to appoint a lawyer to investigate whether he had done anything wrong.

The East Londonderry MP, MLA and Derry City Alderman said: "I think Peter Robinson has the confidence of his party - that is the position and has been the position.

"But he himself has said that he wants to put his own credibility on the line in the manner in which he has done by setting up this investigation which in some respects is a very brave thing to do."

He added: "Peter himself has asked for a week to resolve those issues, respond to them and refute them.

"I think we should allow him that week and hopefully we then move on in a week's time."