Photosales
niJobfinder
niCarfinder
Home Delivery
Propertynews
Peter Robinson: Iris's affair left me desolate
Friday, 15 January 2010
More pictures
Democratic Unionist leader Peter Robinson today admitted revelations about his wife's affair have left him desolate and struggling to face the outside world.
In a candid interview, the under-pressure politician 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 sex and money scandal that has destroyed his wife's political career and threatened his.
The East Belfast MP is facing a series of official probes 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 still suffering with mental health problems and 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 Strangford representative 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 1 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 Belfast Telegraph.
"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."
Miss Robinson asked the public to remember that away from politics, they were a family like any other, struggling to cope with pain and upheaval.
"All we can do is hope and pray there is a day ahead where for us our misery will be far behind us," she said.
- Text Size
Comments
67 Comments
"there are days i want to go to bed, curl up in the foetal position and not come out again"
marty - for heavens sake stop bullying peter - he is a nice chap with feelings just like everyone else.
Posted by Iris Cashman | 22.01.10, 16:11 GMT
that pillow sums this place up - a sad joke..................
can you imagine a REAL politician in UK being interviewed with a tacky 'tourist' cushion beside him ?
so pathetic !!!!!!
Posted by Seymour Bunting | 22.01.10, 16:05 GMT
Its incredible that anyone could be niave enough to fall for the spin complete with props I might add. Peter wasn't slow to caste the first stone when used Parliamentary Privilage to falsley accuse a certain innocent gentleman of being involved in IRA finances. That person who was cleared of all allegations also suffered the full force of the media on himself and his family. He also recieved death threats from loyalists.
Posted by Zeno | 20.01.10, 23:17 GMT
Sounds like there is a Pamela Anderson or Paris Hilton type video about to hit the scene!!!! I r4eally want a copy to add to my collection!
Posted by Sean from Co down Ireland | 20.01.10, 00:04 GMT
It is ironic that Peter states “There are some reporters who would be disappointed if they could not punish Iris into her grave,...”
He and his wife have widely quoted Leviticus as "gospel" truth.
Leviticus states that those involved in adultery should be put to death.
It seems the media are closer to the so-called word of god than the Robinsons.
Posted by justice? | 19.01.10, 14:28 GMT
Gail Walker: Exclusive and full interview!?
Peter Robinson: Truth about Iris and me!?
Peter couldn't have written this better himself.
Posted by Blootered | 18.01.10, 18:29 GMT
Coming straight from the DUP press office this piece would have been understandable, but the BT? This?
Not one hard question was asked, or followed up on. Instead the media itself was lambasted and Mr. Robinson was allowed spin as much as wanted.
If it was a Sinn Fein member would she conducted the same interview? Indeed, if she goes to interview Gerry Adams will she put forth such a piece for publication? I highly doubt it.
Sympathy for the man's situation is normal and understandable, turning an interview into an outlet for the DUP press office is not.
If this is what the BT touts as a serious "scoop", it's shocking. Even the Sun would be embarrassed.
Posted by Euskal Herria | 18.01.10, 18:26 GMT
This is an extremely tame DUP puff piece. Eamonn Mallie asked the real questions on Slugger O'Toole. Grow some Belfast Telegraph!
Posted by John Nelson | 18.01.10, 15:15 GMT
If Mr Robinson has lost a considerable amount of weight since learning of his wife's affair, how come he (and his wife) has continued to claim the full Food Allowance
I have no real interest in the private life of any politician - although in the case of Iris Robinson it has been rather satisfying to witness the proof of her duplicitous, hypocritical nature - but I have a great interest in how taxpayers' money is spent. We have been providing these people with their lavish lifestyle for too long, and seemingly even that is not enough, in the light of the fact that Iris insisted on a £5,000 on the deal she struck over the Lock Keeper's Inn. Is there no end to this greed?
Posted by Fiona Hedgecock | 18.01.10, 12:00 GMT
Sack all politicians! There is less scandal in Jordans life than what goes on here. I'd prefer watching some rasta's sitting around smoking pot with MP wages than these shower at least ye can see yer money being smoked.
Posted by Del | 18.01.10, 11:12 GMT
Gordon
"Is trying to get Northern Ireland back to the way it was when I was a boy. I think that all folk whither they are catholic or protestant should back him up because he is trying to unite two fractions that have been at each others throats for many years"
Gordon, are the Christmas festivities with all that xs imbibing not over yet in Denmark ?
You are right of course about Peter Robinson's aspiration to be "back to the way it was". Croppie lie down.
You've been away to long Gordon
Godt Nytar !
Posted by Fair Play | 18.01.10, 09:07 GMT
Great PR piece for Pete. The photos of him reading cards with lines such as 'Don't quit' and the God Save the Queen pillow was the icing on the PR cake. Well done BT.
Posted by Mal Gibson | 18.01.10, 06:06 GMT
DUP's Gregory Campbell has been quiet. And Spratt. What have they got to say about this?
Posted by Askim | 18.01.10, 05:08 GMT
this man is publicly devastated today, curiously enough he showed nothing when his couple life collapsed, it s only coming now.... Devastation on request.... Let's bear in mind politicians are ALWAYS aware of the public impact they have and their only and cynical interest is how to continue with their career. And, mind you, this is only true in N Ireland -I'm from France-but all around the 'global' political sphere.
Posted by thierry ray | 17.01.10, 18:21 GMT
Mr Robinson only decided to talk about the affair etc once he knew he was cornered and the story was going to hit the press. He knew of the affair etc 10 months ago, yet waits until hours before the Spotlight problem was due to air. They can't be sanctimonious now! Good riddance
Posted by Jemima | 17.01.10, 15:59 GMT
Possibly the worst jounalism ever published by this rag. I used to read the Telegraph I'm ashamed to say but after this display I have cancelled my subscription. Did the reporter even need to be at the so-called interview?
Posted by John | 16.01.10, 20:46 GMT
I think Gail Walker allowed herself to be used by the DUP press team in their desperate effort to make Peter look soft and vulnerable. Wise up, Gail.
Posted by Billy | 16.01.10, 19:53 GMT
Give the Robinson family the space to cope with this.
Posted by Martha Strain | 16.01.10, 19:42 GMT
the DUP is in shambles as is unionism in general, although i do feel sympathy for Pete. Marty ,Northern Ireland's favourite politician will also be Northern Ireland's next first minister. Can you feel it?
Posted by Change | 16.01.10, 18:14 GMT
God bless you, Mr. Robinson. I think you are handling this in a very wise, loving and godly manner. I pray that the Lord will continue to give you the love, humility, strength of character, and wisdom that you need to be all that you need to be for your wife and family and others. There is none righteous, no not one.
Loving support and forgiveness is Christ like.
With love and prayers for you both, John
Posted by John | 16.01.10, 17:24 GMT
67 Comments