HAPPILY TOGETHER: New York State Governor David Paterson and his wife Michelle after he was sworn in on Monday. Mr Paterson, who is blind, admits that both he and his wife had extra-marital affairs several years ago. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Mr Paterson, who became the state's first black chief executive and the second legally blind governor in US history, told the Daily News that he maintained a relationship with another woman from 1999 until 2001.

He and his wife eventually sought counselling and repaired their relationship.

The couple agreed to speak publicly about their marriage in response to rumours about Mr Paterson's personal life that have been swirling in Albany since Mr Spitzer resigned, the Daily News reported on Monday on its website.

Mr Paterson rose from the lieutenant-governor's office after Mr Spitzer resigned last week amid allegations that he hired a call girl from a highpriced escort service.

After his inauguration on Monday, Mr Paterson and his wife Michelle acknowledged the relationships but did not go into details.

'This was a marriage that appeared to be going sour at one point,' Mr Paterson told the Daily News.

'But I went to counselling and we decided we wanted to make it work. Michelle is well aware of what went on.'

He said top government officials are bound to be under the microscope for their personal actions, especially in the wake of the prostitution scandal.

'Like most marriages, you go through certain difficult periods,' Mrs Paterson said. 'What's important is for your kids to see you worked them out.'

The Patersons have two children, a 19-year-old student at Ithaca College who is from his wife's previous marriage, and a 14-year-old who goes to school in New York City.

Mr Paterson has been hailed as a politician of integrity and a man who can build consensus in Albany after a tumultuous year under Mr Spitzer.

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