Widely regarded as the DUP's hard man, Peter Robinson (49) is described as cold, calculating and ruthless but with a razor sharp intellect, a forensic eye for detail and unrivalled organisational abilities.
The son of a chef and a sewing mistress, Mr Robinson grew up in working-class east Belfast. Strongly opposed to the Civil Rights Movement, he was attracted to the Rev Ian Paisley, became a founder member of the DUP 26 years ago and is now deputy leader. An MP for 20 years, with a power base around the shipyard in east Belfast, he is almost certain to succeed Dr Paisley as leader.
A born-again Christian he and Iris, also an Assembly member, have three grown up-children. He doesn't smoke or drink.