DUP leader Peter Robinson taken to hospital

First Minister has been admitted to hospital.

Peter Robinson was taken in just after 9am on Monday.

A spokesman for the Democratic Unionist Party said: "The First Minister felt unwell this morning and has been admitted to the hospital for some further tests."

It is understood the DUP leader is being treated for a suspected heart condition.

• Ed Miliband has 'zero economic common sense', says Peter Robinson

It is believed Mr Robinson, who is 66 years old, travelled to hospital in an ambulance.

He has been First Minister since 2008.

The Robinson family have requested privacy at this stage.

Mike Nesbitt, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), is among the politicians to wish Mr Robinson a speedy recovery.

He said: "I am sorry to hear that the First Minister has been taken into hospital this morning and I wish Peter a full and speedy recovery.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family."

And Deputy First Minister, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, wrote: "Concerned to hear First Minister Peter Robinson has been admitted to hospital. My thoughts & prayers are with him, Iris & family."

Mr Robinson has endured a stressful few months.

His party's electoral battle to regain the Belfast East seat in the UK parliament - which he lost to the Alliance Party's Naomi Long following a scandal involving his wife Iris in 2010 - was among the closest-contested in the general election.

And the DUP also faced fierce criticism over comments a candidate made, linking same-sex marriage to child abuse.

Tomorrow, the Northern Ireland Assembly is due to hold a crucial debate on implementation of welfare reform and Mr Robinson had warned that the power-sharing institution was in danger of collapse.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams was among others taking to social media to wish the First Minister well.

"Peter Robinson in hospital. I hope he is ok," Mr Adams said.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister and leader of the SNP, said: "Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson."