The guilt-ridden wife of Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson tried to kill herself after making a midnight confession to her husband that she had an affair, it has been revealed.
The relationship 18 months ago was a brief one but in a dramatic statement Iris Robinson revealed the devastating impact it had on the family and how she attempted to take her own life last March.
She said: "Everyone is paying a heavy price for my actions ... I am so, so sorry."
The man has not been identified, and even though Mr Robinson considered walking away because of his sense of betrayal, the First Minster insisted he was determined to save his marriage and was staying on as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party going into this year's general election.
Nine days ago Mrs 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 intense behind-the-scenes speculation about the state of their 40-year marriage.
Mr Robinson has been away from his office at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, but suddenly called a special press briefing 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.
Fighting back tears he said: "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."
Mother-of-three Mrs Robinson's admission of an affair and her husband's extraordinary appearance in front of the TV cameras will stun Northern Ireland. Even his closest colleagues and political rivals will be left shocked at such a public confession.
The marriage was considered by all sides to be rock-solid, with Mr Robinson frequently rallying to his wife's defence when her outspoken criticism of homosexuality saw many label her a political liability.
Mrs Robinson was not to be seen at her luxury home, but in her penitential statement she spoke about how severe bouts of depression had altered her mood and personality.
