The contradiction between Berejiklian as the steadfast, by-the-book, risk-averse leader and a relationship that was at the very least misjudged after multiple allegations against Maguire, is as surprising as it is unfathomable.

After Maguire resigned from Parliament in 2018, disgraced by an admission to a separate ICAC inquiry that he sought payment from brokering a deal with a Chinese property developer, Berejiklian said she was “deeply disappointed” by the revelations.

On that election result, Berejiklian said the local electorate had sent us a strong message.

“I regret that the people of the Wagga region came to the conclusion that they could no longer trust the way in which they were being represented.

“They were angry and disappointed at the actions of the former member, and I share that.”

And yet she still persisted in the relationship, which continued, she told the inquiry today, until “a few months ago”.

The relationship, which began in 2015, and is now under spotlight as ICAC investigates whether Maguire used his position for personal gain, has become the biggest threat to Berejiklian’s political career.

The question is simply over her judgment in putting herself in that position — whereas politically, she’s never been a stronger force.

Over the past 12 months, Berejiklian has racked up a mostly impeccable record for the firm steering of the state through unprecedented crises.

There were the bushfires that ravaged 5.5 million hectares over a long and weary summer.

Then the pandemic, where she displayed the same level of fortitude, navigating the state through the coronavirus outbreak, in a performance only significantly marred by the Ruby Princess debacle, for which she “unreservedly” apologised.

Now all of this is tainted.

It is not about whether Berejiklian is permitted to have a relationship with another political figure, or anyone at all.

Today’s revelation weakens her internally — with her enemies within the right always looking to pounce, this could be their moment.

This is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on Berejiklian’s part.

She told the inquiry today she never turned a blind eye to any wrongdoing — but the problem is the perception, is it possible to plead ignorance about the conduct of somebody you are in a close relationship with?

What could save Berejiklian is public support — or whether they’ll care enough about this revelation.

The bombshell reveals a human side to Berejiklian, one of a personal and fallible nature, which might even soften her image.

But among Macquarie Street players there has never been a whisper about any of Berejiklian’s relationships — and today’s confession would have blindsided all sides.

Without question this will be a tough week: Daryl Maguire is up before the inquiry this week. Parliament is also sitting, so there’s no option for her other than to front her colleagues.

This chink in her armour revealed today severely weakens the previous squeaky clean, untouchable politician.

Now Saint Gladys, the unrelentingly devoted public servant, has shown that she can be a mere mortal who, like the rest of us, can on occasion be struck by poor judgment, particularly when it comes to personal relationships.

-ABC/Ashleigh Raper