A married DUP councillor has apologised for her affair with party colleague and Upper Bann MP David Simpson.
In a letter to DUP party members on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Louise Templeton offered "sincerest apologies for the inappropriate actions I was involved in", the Sunday Life reported.
The apology comes four months after her affair with Mr Simpson was revealed, which led to the DUP MP and father-of-three moving out of the home he shared with his wife of 37 years.
Mr Simpson also resigned from the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution when news of the affair with Ms Templeton, who had worked as his parliamentary assistant since 2005, came to light.
In the letter, the mother-of-two, who is now understood to have reconciled with her husband, wrote: "For my part I accept responsibility for the pain and embarrassment that I have caused to families, elected colleagues and party friends and for this I offer my personal and most humble apology."
Cllr Templeton continued: "I will not attempt to try to excuse my behaviour but I believe I owe you this apology and an assurance that it will not happen again."
The letter added: "I know that you will share my hope, that healing and reconciliation will be possible for all those affected by this negative experience."
The DUP was contacted for comment last night.
