{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/6a44e02406fb5d326d81123c?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Real Jeffrey Donaldson: Affairs, Gay saunas, and Drinking Excessively - Former MLA Opens Up About The Jeffrey He Knows - 01/07/2026","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/1782892684537-98a221b5-e0aa-4ecd-a6a5-b418c9b15e31.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>The political fallout following Jeffrey Donaldson’s guilty plea to child sex offences continues, with fresh details emerging in recent days about aspects of the former DUP leader’s private life while he was one of the most prominent figures in unionist politics.</p><p><br></p><p>Media reports have highlighted allegations relating to affairs, the use of gay saunas and excessive drinking, prompting further questions about how Donaldson was able to maintain what critics have described as a double life while serving as an MP and later as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.</p><p><br></p><p>The revelations have reignited debate about accountability in public office, the culture within political parties, and whether there were warning signs that were missed during Donaldson’s decades-long political career.</p><p><br></p><p>Former DUP MLA Jim Wells has been outspoken in his criticism, describing Jeffrey Donaldson as an \"unmitigated liar\" and accusing him of deceiving colleagues and the public for years. </p><p><br></p><p>Jim Wells joined us on The Agenda this morning. </p><p><br></p>","author_name":"lmfm "}