Cheating biggest cause for divorce in Northern Ireland

Almost half of all marriages that end in divorce in Northern Ireland do so because of an affair, new research has found.

According to a survey conducted by InsideDivorce.com, 50 per cent of the NI couples questioned who complained of marital difficulties blamed their problems on infidelity.

The site's Derek Bedlow commented: "People are quicker to throw in the towel on a bad marriage than ever before," the Telegraph reports.

Commenting on the findings, Gerald Clarke, chief executive of Relate Northern Ireland, told the BBC that political and social problems could well be at the root of many people's unhappiness, which can lead to bad relationships and consequently affairs.

He explained: "There is a lot of economic hardship and the aftermath of the Troubles leaving a lot of people scarred as a result of what has gone on. While it is being brushed under the carpet, it still leaves a scar."

The survey also found that other key reasons given by NI respondents for divorce included financial pressure and boredom.

Lonely and don't want to be?