The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland, Jeffrey Donaldson, resigns. Charges related to sexual crimes were brought against him.

Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned after historic accusations Photo: Peter Morrison/ap

DUBLIN taz | Northern Ireland is not calming down. After the Belfast regional parliament resumed work in February after two years of political deadlock, there was hope for political normality in the crisis-ridden British province.

But on Friday afternoon, Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). On Thursday night he was charged with “allegations of a historical nature.” Apparently these are sexual crimes.

A 57-year-old woman, believed to be his wife, was also charged with complicity in relation to the alleged offences. Both are due in court on April 24. Donaldson deleted his X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn social media accounts on Friday night. The reasons for this are not clear.

The DUP paralyzed the government and parliament in February 2022 in protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol rules. Donaldson complained that Northern Ireland should remain part of the EU's internal market and customs union after Brexit and would therefore be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom.

Strengthened authority

Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP, 61, held intensive talks with Northern Ireland minister Chris Heaton-Harris in the run-up to Christmas and was instrumental in reaching a deal with the British government on modifying trade agreements after Brexit. This resulted in the restoration of institutions and strengthening of his authority in the party last month.

In a statement issued on Friday, the DUP said it had received a letter of resignation from Donaldson. Senior DUP party officials have suspended him “in accordance with party rules… pending the outcome of a court case”. DUP deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed interim leader of the party.

Donaldson, who was knighted for his “political services” in 2016, had led the party since 2021. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1997 for the more moderate Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). However, because the party signed the Belfast Peace Agreement with the participation of the ruling Catholic part of the population in 1998, which he rejected, he left the UUP for the more radical DUP.

Married, father of two and a member of the strictly anti-Catholic Orange Order, he enjoys a reputation as a hard-line trade unionist. In the past he has repeatedly made homophobic and misogynistic comments. But he is also a pragmatist, which has earned him grudging respect in London, Dublin and Washington.

His departure will have a significant impact on the stability of Northern Ireland's institutions, as party members who reject any compromise with the British government and the Catholic nationalist population now see their opportunity.