Paterson was sworn in almost exactly a week after allegations first surfaced that former governor Eliot Spitzer was “Client 9” of a high-priced call girl service. Responding to rumours circulating in Albany, Paterson and his wife, Michelle, told the Daily News that both had affairs during a rough patch in their marriage several years ago.

“This was a marriage that appeared to be going sour at one point,” 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.

Paterson said he maintained a relationship with another woman from 1999 until 2001. He and his wife, Michelle, eventually sought counseling and repaired their relationship. The couple did not go into details.

Paterson and the other woman sometimes stayed at a Days Inn on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the governor said, adding that his Albany staff sometimes stayed there as well when they were in the city. Paterson said he did not use government or campaign funds to pay for the romantic encounters.

“We move forward. Today is Monday. There is work to be done,” Paterson said. “There was an oath to be taken. There’s trust that needs to be restored. There are issues that need to be addressed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Federal prosecutors must still decide whether to pursue charges against Spitzer. The married father of three teenage girls was accused of spending thousands of dollars on prostitutes — including a call girl in Washington the night before Valentine’s Day.