As a politician, Donaldson had a reputation as someone who could rise to the big occasions, rarely faltering under pressure.
It’s part of the reason why many believe he rose through the ranks of his parties so quickly, and was able to keep a secure seat at Westminster for almost thirty years.
However, the BBC has been told how Donaldson was taking huge risks with his personal security during peace talks to restore Stormont.
In 2006, two senior PSNI detectives saw Donaldson entering a sauna which marketed itself as a meeting place for gay men.
Chariots was based in central London, near the Houses of Parliament and the home of the security services.
It’s no longer there, but former head of the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch, Tim Hanley, said he was “100% sure” Donaldson entered the building.
The other detective confirmed Hanley’s account to the BBC.
