The resignation of Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has “major political ramifications”, but it is not a “political scandal”. 

That’s according to Irish Daily News journalist John Manley in the wake of Mr Donaldson’s shock resignation from the party. 

He resigned after being charged with historical sexual offences, which he is understood to be contesting. 

While the allegations against Mr Donaldson are a matter for the courts, his resignation will have major political ramifications in Northern Ireland. 

Mr Manley emphasised this shock resignation and the charges attached to it do not mean an end to the newly-formed assembly in Stormont. 

“There is no interest in any of the other in any sort of political rivals, bar the TUV, in attempting to bring down the institutions,” he told The Anton Savage Show. 

“Of course, it has major political ramifications, but this is not in any way a political scandal or controversy. 

“Nobody will be calling for heads to roll or wider investigation.” 

There is wider implications for how Mr Donaldson’s resignation will impact the DUP and attitudes towards the deal that restored power-sharing. 

“We're just two less than two months after the restoration of Stormont following the deal that which Jeffrey Donaldson really took full ownership of,” Mr Manley said. 

“He negotiated with the British government around the post-Brexit trade arrangements, the Northern Ireland protocol... it was widely known as the ‘Donaldson deal’.” 

Interim leader Gavin Robinson is expected to carry out the promises made in negotiations to form the Northern Irish Assembly. 

'The Donaldson deal'

Despite that, Mr Donaldson’s resignation may embolden critics of the deal, such as Lord Nigel Dodds, Sammy Wilson and Ian Paisley Jr, according to Mr Manley. 

“Their criticism wasn’t personal attacks on Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, but they may see an opportunity to use that leverage and say, ‘We need to reconsider our approach to this deal’,” he said. 

The DUP, however, may also be aware of the risks a divided party may show, especially in light of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) party forming an agreement with the UK Reform Party, giving them additional resources in upcoming elections. 

“[Mr Donaldson] has not resigned as an MP so that won't necessarily trigger a by-election,” Mr Manley said. 

“There's always a possibility because of the proximity to the forthcoming general election that there may indeed not be a by-election.” 

Northern Irish First Minister Michelle O’Neill said yesterday that Mr Donaldson’s charges will not impact power-sharing in Stormont. 

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