Peter Robinson, Northern Ireland's First Minister, resigns

BELFAST, Northern Ireland, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Peter Robinson, Northern Ireland's first minister, resigned Thursday over disagreements within the coalition government.

He and other ministers aligned with the Democratic Unionist Party announced their resignations, with the exception of Finance Minister Arlene Foster.

"I have asked Arlene to remain in post as finance minister and acting first minister to ensure that Nationalists and Republicans are not able to take financial and other decisions that may be detrimental to Northern Ireland," Robinson said in a statement, referring to rival parties in the government.

At issue is Robinson's interest in an adjournment of the legislature until an investigation is launched over allegations the Irish Republican Army, a banned and presumed inactive radical group, conspired to kill Kevin McGuigan, a one-time member. Robinson warned it would not be "business as usual" until discussions on the topic began, but his DUP failed to win enough votes in the Parliament's business committee to adjourn the assembly.

A spokesman for British Prime Minister David Cameron said the situation in northern Ireland had Cameron's close attention, adding, "There are obviously now different people calling for different things, and the prime minister's calls with the secretary of state and the first minister are an opportunity for us to consider what steps should be taken next."

With the DUP leaving the government, a political compromise involving four parties is in ruins. Cameron's office said he is considering inviting Robinson and Theresa Villiers, to Downing Street to discuss developments.