The married father-of-three said he had acted in a way that violated his obligations to his family.

He apologised to his family and the public, whom he said he should have served better.

He made no reference to allegations published by The New York Times, which said he had been involved with a high-priced prostitution service.

"I failed to live up to the standards I set up to myself," the first-term governor told a packed press conference at his Manhattan office.

"Now I stand to regain the trust Charges over 'abandoned' NY girl ...
Cosmic dust disc to force rethink ...
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Coen brothers add to awards haul ... of my family," he added, as his wife, Silda, stood by his side.

But he refused to answer questions as to whether he would resign.

Sherriff of Wall Street

Last week, four people were arrested in connection with the alleged prostitution ring, The New York Times reported.

As part of the investigation, a federal wire-tap on a Washington hotel last month had recorded Mr Spitzer allegedly arranging to meet a prostitute, the newspaper added.

Mr Spitzer, 48, had abruptly cancelled Monday afternoon appointments to meet senior advisors about the allegations, the Times reported.

He was elected governor in November 2006 promising ethical reform in New York.

As New York's attorney general, he had become known as the Sherriff of Wall Street for his relentless pursuit of financial wrong-doing.

He had also taken a firm line against prostitution in New York.

(BBC)

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