Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 sex offence charges, including one count of rape.
In addition to the charge of rape he faces four counts of gross indecency and 13 charges of indecent assault.
His wife and co-accused, Eleanor Donaldson, appeared alongside him in Newry Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting.
Her defence team has made an application to have two other charges withdrawn.
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The couple will stand trial in March next year, with a lawyer for the Public Prosecution Service saying it is expected to last two weeks.
In court this morning they stood together in the dock as the charges were put to them.
When asked to enter a plea on the 18 counts against him, on each occasion Mr Donaldson lent down towards the courtroom microphone and said loudly: "Not guilty."
His offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims.
Ms Donaldson also replied "not guilty" when three charges were put to her.
The court was told that her defence team has filed "no bill applications" seeking to have two other charges against her withdrawn.
A review hearing will take place on 25 October, with Judge Paul Ramsey telling both defendants they do not have to appear in court that day.
They were both remanded on continuing bail.
The trial date has been set for 24 March 2025.
