This follows yesterday's announcement that Dr Ian Paisley is to resign from both positions.
He is to stand down in May, after the planned international investment conference in Belfast.
But as happens in the rough trade of politics, power evaporates once a departure date becomes known, and Ian Paisley will know today his career as a political heavyweight is over.
In his controversial career, Dr Paisley was often brutally tough with foes. In recent months he was on the receiving end of the hurt and some of those he had nurtured turned against him.
DUP internal discussions about the mechanics of succession will now begin.
Mr Robinson is the likely new DUP leader and first minister. Nigel Dodds is favourite to become minister for finance.
In his ten months as First Minister, Dr Paisley shook many hands, regularly quoted scripture and surprised many doubters.
The style will change. But Paisley's legacy is he led the DUP towards the middle ground and power.
If the post-Paisley party wants to remain at the centre of devolved government, ourselves alone politics will not work.
Michael Fisher talks to Ian Paisley about his decision to resign as Northern Ireland First Minister and DUP leader Watch
Ian Paisley's political career in pictures View gallery
