Northern Ireland's first minister, Peter Robinson, has spoken publicly for the first time of his marital difficulties following several days of intense media speculation.
Nine days ago Iris Robinson, MP for Strangford and a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, declared she was quitting politics because of a battle with depression.
But since then there has been mounting speculation over Mr Robinson's absence from politics, which his party said was due to “family circumstances”.
In an emotional television interview, Mr Robinson revealed his wife, Iris, had a brief affair some 18 months ago and that the couple were trying to save their marriage.
The Democratic Unionist leader admitted his “immediate impulse” on hearing about the affair was to walk away from his marriage. “I felt betrayed after almost 40 years of being happily and closely bonded together,” he said.
But he said he and his wife were determined to remain together.
“I determined that I could not walk away without making a genuine effort to see if my marriage could be saved. That is the road I am on. It is a road without guarantees but it is not without hope.
I love my wife. I have always been faithful to her. In a spirit of humility and repentance Iris sought my forgiveness, she took responsibility upon herself alone for her actions and I have forgiven her. More important, I know that she has sought and received God’s forgiveness.
Mr Robinson pledged to continue in his role as First Minister, saying he would "continue to discharge those responsibilities without allowing his personal hurt to limit his endeavours.
The couple were married in 1970 and have three grown-up children.
In a statement this evening, Mrs Robinson revealed details of her long struggle with depression and admitted she tried to kill herself after confessing to her husband that she had an affair.
She also admitted she encouraged friends to provide financial backing to assist the man in a business venture.
“Everyone is paying a heavy price for my actions . . . . I am so, so sorry,” she said.
Mr Robinson had been away from his office at Stormont Buildings today, but called a special press briefing this afternoon at his house in Dundonald where officials issued a personal statement by his wife - before he went on to speak to four journalists to confirm the couple’s private turmoil.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said no one watching Mr Robinson's interview "could fail to be moved by the obvious hurt and pain being experienced by the Robinson family".
“Despite Peter’s public role he is entitled to privacy as he and his family seek to deal with this matter. I wish them well as they seek to rebuild relationships away from the public glare.”
Additional reporting by PA
