Why the fallout from Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction keeps growing

Jeffrey Donaldson is in Maghaberry prison outside Belfast awaiting sentencing for 18 child sex offences, including rape.

If the disgraced politician thought that the blanket media coverage of his trial in June would stop once the jury gave its verdict, he was wrong.

He is still making daily headlines in Northern Ireland as shocking stories of his past behaviour emerge; – ones that throw further light on the vast gulf between his carefully curated public persona as a pious, teetotal Christian and family man, and the reality.

Four inquiries are being conducted into his actions while in the workplace, one by the NI Civil Service and one by the Assembly. Two have been commissioned by his former political parties, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

Since his arrest in 2024, both have tried hard to distance themselves from their one-time star member.

Ahead of his sentencing in September, he has now launched an appeal against his conviction.

Irish Times Northern Editor Freya McClements explains why the Donaldson story has left politics across the Border in turmoil.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.

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