Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), faced significant personal security risks during peace talks aimed at restoring the Stormont Assembly, according to an investigation by BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight program.
Allegations of Sauna Visit
In 2006, two senior detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reportedly observed Donaldson entering a sauna in central London known as Chariots. This establishment was described as a meeting place for gay men. The sauna was located near the Houses of Parliament and the home of security services, indicating a potentially high-risk environment for a prominent politician.
Tim Hanley, former head of the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch, stated he was "100% sure" Donaldson entered the building. A second detective corroborated Hanley's account to the BBC.
Donaldson, who had a reputation for performing well under pressure and quickly rising through his party's ranks, served as a Member of Parliament for almost thirty years before stepping down as DUP leader in March 2024. He was later jailed for child sex offences. The BBC investigation highlights a period where Donaldson's personal conduct reportedly involved significant risks to his security, particularly during sensitive political negotiations.