'Business as usual' for Robinson after affair revelation
DUP leader Peter Robinson was back behind his desk today following the shock revelation that his wife tried to kill herself after confessing to an affair.
The North's First Minister is meeting Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness this afternoon for talks about devolving policing and justice powers from London to Belfast.
Mr Robinson arrived at Stormont Castle for the meeting and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was also present.
Earlier Mr Robinson went to his Belfast constituency office, his wife Iris's base in nearby Newtownards and DUP headquarters in Belfast, where he told staff it was "business as usual".
The East Belfast MP will brief DUP ministers and deputy leader Nigel Dodds following this afternoon's meeting with Mr McGuinness.
Mrs Robinson's relationship 18 months ago was a brief one but in a dramatic statement yesterday she revealed the devastating impact it had on the family and how she attempted to take her own life last March.
Mrs Robinson, 60, 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 Minister insisted he was determined to save his marriage.
He also said he would be back at his desk in Belfast today, and was staying on as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party going into this year's general election.
Sitting in the study of his home on the outskirts of east Belfast, choking with emotion and with his eyes welling up, Mr Robinson said: "That is the road I am on. It is a road without guarantees, but not without hope."
Nine days ago mother-of-three Mrs Robinson, MP for Strangford and a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, said she was quitting politics because of a battle with depression.
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 yesterday 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.
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."
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 yesterday, but in her statement she spoke about how severe bouts of depression had altered her mood and personality.
She said: "I fought with those I loved most, my children and friends; saw plots where none existed and conducted myself in a manner which was self-destructive and out of character.
"During this period of mental illness I lost control of my life and did the worst thing that I have ever done. Over a year and a half ago, I was involved in a relationship.
"It began completely innocently when I gave support to someone following a family death. I encouraged friends to assist him by providing financial support for a business venture.
"Regrettably, the relationship later developed into a brief affair. It had no emotional or lasting meaning, but my actions have devastated my life, and the lives of those around me."
Mrs Robinson, an MP since 2001, disclosed how at midnight on March 1 last year - believed to be at their home - she tried to take her own life when she confessed to the affair because of the guilt she felt.
Hours later her husband was at the dispatch box answering questions at the Northern Assembly.
Mr Robinson claimed the couple first considered going public about the affair last November, but decided against the move because of medical advice that his wife would not have been able to cope with the consequences.
Lagan Valley DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson said: "All political representatives are entitled to private space, but I believe the public, having already recognised the leadership and vision he has given to Northern Ireland during difficult times, will have a greater understanding of that when they now know other issues he was dealing with during some of those days.
"Peter's contribution to the political future in Northern Ireland will continue and strengthen and everyone within the DUP is strengthened in our resolve to build a better future for the province and to see devolution improved and delivering for everyone in our community."
East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson said he had known the Robinson family for more than 30 years.
"I cannot remember any other occasion when there has been such a massive outpouring of love, support and best wishes towards them from right throughout the community.
"I know that it took massive personal bravery for Peter to come before the cameras and share the details of his private life.
"What Peter and Iris and their family are going through at the present time is a personal tragedy and needs to be respected as such."
