Why the D?

When making a statement on the DUP website, Peter Robinson is simply known as Rt. Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA.

But when making a statement on the OFMDFM site, he is known as Rt. Hon Peter D. Robinson MP MLA.

The D makes all the difference as this guy would tell you. But why does Peter do it?

In fact Peter Robinson hasn’t been Peter Robinson on the OFMDFM site since October 10 2008. After that date he has been Peter D.

Including the middle initial as part of your common description is popular among US executives. But there is a precedent on this side of the pond too. Check out Iain Banks. When Iain writes mainstream fiction he is Iain Banks, but when he writes science fiction he becomes Iain M Banks.

Using this analogy, when Peter engages in mainstream fiction as DUP leader he is merely Peter Robinson, but when he is Peter D Robinson you know he’s turned on the fiction afterburners and is heading deep into outer space as First Minister. Erm... so to speak.

Is the inclusion of the D inspired by the execs in the States? Can its existence be because Peter views himself as NI’s top executive? I think we should be told...

PS. Erm, what does the D stand for? You won’t find the answer on the OFMDFM site, the NI Assembly website or on the DUP homepage. Thankfully Peter’s personal website supplies the (sadly obvious) answer.