The Democratic Unionist MP for the area, Iris Robinson, described the murder as "an horrific attack".

BBC: Man dies in shooting

While the body politic was still absorbing them, however, the Iris Robinson affair erupted on an astonished public.

ECONOMIST: Northern Ireland

Iris Robinson's maternal instincts soon began to be replaced by more intense feelings and by mid-summer, Mrs Robinson, then aged 59, had begun a sexual relationship with Kirk, then 19.

BBC: Robinson allegations - who's involved?