Ex-NSW premier Rees 'regrets' affair
AAP
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Former NSW premier Nathan Rees has apologised and asked for privacy after media reports revealed the state Labor MP was involved in a five-month affair with a constituent.
"This is a private and sensitive matter," Mr Rees said in a statement on Tuesday, according to reports in Fairfax Media and News Corp Australia.
"I deeply regret my actions and the pain I have caused my loved ones, friends and family. I offer no excuses.
"At no stage was I compromised in the performance of my duties. For the sake of others, I ask for privacy at this time. I do not propose to make any further comment."
News Corp's Daily Telegraph published details of the affair on its front page on Wednesday.
It says Mr Rees believes he is the target of a smear campaign from MPs and officials within his own party.
Fairfax Media said on Wednesday it had been aware of the details for months but had decided not to publish the story due to the lack of public interest and the detrimental affect it would have on Mr Rees' marriage.
Mr Rees, now opposition police spokesman, was NSW premier from September 2008 to December 2010 when he was successfully challenged by Kristina Keneally.
