Enda McGarrity said the Donaldson family had been ‘stonewalled’ in their quest for answers over the 2006 murder of Denis Donaldson.

Denis Donaldson was shot dead in Co Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent over 20 years.

Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson is currently receiving medical treatment, Newry Crown Court heard.

At Newry Crown Court on Friday Judge Paul Ramsey granted an adjournment application on medical grounds.

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife both attended court ahead of a trial

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife will go on trial in March facing a number of historical sex offences.

Eleanor Donaldson is the co-accused in a historical sex offences case involving her husband, former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

He made a brief appearance before Newry Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 61-year-old and his wife are expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

The former DUP leader, who is set to remain Lagan Valley MP until the election, is facing 11 historical charges.

The former DUP leader is facing 11 charges

During a brief court hearing, the charges were read to the Lagan Valley MP and his wife as they stood in the dock

The 61-year-old politician was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March

The former DUP leader (61) was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March

The former DUP leader resigned last month

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigned last Friday after being charged with several historical sexual offences.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said on Sunday: ‘Now more than ever, what we need to see is cohesion.’

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson quit on Friday after he was charged with historical sexual offences

The First Minister said the parties in the devolved administration are focusing on cohesion in the wake of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s shock resignation.

The deputy First Minister has expressed her shock after Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was charged with historical sexual offences.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson insisted the DUP should not be distracted by a leadership contest this side of a general election

The identity of the new leader will be key to the direction the party takes and the future of the devolved institutions.

Jeffrey Donaldson assumed leadership of the DUP in 2021 during a turbulent time for the party.