Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 historical sexual abuse charges.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, has also pleaded not guilty to three charges of aiding and abetting.
The couple appeared in court at Newry in County Down.
The 61-year-old former MP and his wife, 58, were arrested at their home in March this year.
He faces one charge of rape, four of gross indecency and 13 of indecent assault over a 21-year period between 1987 and 2008.
Ms Donaldson is contesting three charges, including aiding and abetting.
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