Democratic Unionist leader Peter Robinson has spoken of the effect revelations about his wife’s affair have had on his personal life.
In a candid interview, he said coping with the impact of Iris Robinson’s infidelity with a teenage lover had also taken a physical toll on him, losing more than two stone since he learned of her adultery.
“There are days when, were it not a case of getting up and getting on with things for the sake of the family, your instinct is just to get into bed, turn out the light, pull yourself into a foetal position and not come out again,” he said.
The 61-year-old father of three has temporarily stood down as Northern Ireland First Minister for six weeks to deal with the fall-out from the scandal that has destroyed his wife’s political career and threatened his.
The East Belfast MP is facing a series of official investigations after claims he covered up his wife’s failure to declare £50,000 she obtained from two wealthy developers to set up her lover Kirk McCambley in business at a cafe on the banks of the River Lagan in Belfast.
Mr Robinson has vehemently denied knowing that she may have broken the rules and has vowed to clear his name.
Mrs Robinson revealed she attempted to take her life on the night last March when her husband found out about the affair. She is currently receiving psychiatric treatment.
As well as Mr Robinson’s latest comments, the couple’s daughter Rebekah has broken her public silence on the family’s trauma to express her admiration for how her father has coped.
“I didn’t believe it was possible to love, respect or admire him anymore than I already did, but this ordeal has gladly proved me wrong on all three counts,” she said. “It’s been so hurtful for him but he has remained very strong and has been there for all of us.”
The revelations, which have forced Mrs Robinson to resign as MP, MLA and councillor, broke at a critical juncture for the fragile power-sharing administration, with the long-running row over the delay in transferring law and order powers from Westminster threatening to bring down the institutions.
Mr Robinson, who rejoined the negotiations at Stormont Castle last night amid mounting hopes a breakthrough could be imminent, laid bare his ongoing heartache in an emotional interview with the Belfast Telegraph.
“I don’t think there has been any period of my life which has been more difficult,” he said. “But there has also been no period of my life when I have ever received more encouragement and support, and I have never needed that support more than now.”
The DUP leader also took the opportunity to address press reports that his wife may have had other affairs, namely with Mr McCambley’s late father Billy and an unnamed party colleague.
“I am asking these journalists on the basis of common humanity to give me their evidence,” he said. “You see, I have to go back to the events of March 1st last year (when he found out about the affair). Afterwards, despite the hurt and pain that I felt, I told Iris that I would attempt to repair and to continue with our marriage provided that she told me everything and that there were no secrets between us.
“Now I have seen these accusations, so I’m saying to these journalists, show me your proof. Tell me what you know - if you know anything at all. Because I have decisions to make about my life, too.”
He conceded that his wife’s actions had deeply wounded him. “If anyone in the world has got a reason to be angry at Iris and hurt by what she has done, I think I have,” he said.
But highlighting her ongoing battle with mental illness, he urged people not to judge “someone who is not in a fit state to be judged”.
Of the press’s reaction to Mrs Robinson’s affair and financial dealings, he said: “I honestly believe she would have been treated better had she been a serial killer.”
Mr Robinson has also faced questions over the way he acted in the wake of his wife’s suicide bid - going to work in the Assembly the next morning while someone else took her to hospital.
He said the suggestion he had not done his utmost for his wife had particularly hurt him - making clear that he had stayed with her through the night, seeking medical advice on three occasions. He said when he left for work she was sleeping and there was no suggestion she would have to be taken to hospital.
“Three members of the family stayed with her and I went to carry out my duties, all the time being updated by phone by family members,” he explained. “And as soon as I was informed she was taken to hospital, I left the office of the First Minister and went to her bedside. It just seems I cannot win over this business.”
His daughter Rebekah also defended his actions. “Only those who have experienced such a horrific incident could truly know what it is like,” she told the newspaper.
“I certainly haven’t been able to find the words to describe it. The press will never know how hurtful the suggestions are that we didn’t do our best for her or acted inappropriately. We saved her life. To watch dad go through everything he has been through and still stand by mum, only to then be subject to criticism, has been devastating. This is the part I have found most difficult.”
PA