Ian Paisley, giant of unionism, finally says No to politics

Published on Tuesday 2 March 2010 21:50

FORMER Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley will not seek re-election in the general election, he confirmed yesterday, bringing to an end an era in politics in the province.

• Ian Paisley will not seek re-election in the general election

The 83-year-old founder and former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party will relinquish the North Antrim seat he first won in 1970. His decision could open the way for his son, Ian Paisley jnr, to stand as the DUP's candidate in the constituency.

The contest is expected to be a tight one, with the leader of the hardline Traditional Unionist Voice party, Jim Allister, having already announced his intention to run in North Antrim. Mr Paisley announced his decision to stand down in his local newspaper, the Ballymena Guardian.

The DUP will officially select its Westminster candidate for the North Antrim seat next week. Confirming his father would be standing down, Ian Paisley jnr said: "I would want to pay tribute to the fantastic role my father has played as a Member of Parliament for the last 40 years."

Mr Paisley stood down as First Minister in 2008. He was replaced by his long-time DUP deputy leader, Peter Robinson.

Mr Paisley, who will take leave from representative politics completely once the current Northern Ireland assembly term expires next year, said it had been a privilege to represent his constituents, but it was time for a new generation of politicians to build on his legacy. "I have no doubt the people of North Antrim will again support the DUP at the next election," he said.

Reflecting on his political career, he said he had "no regrets" about the landmark decision to go into power with Sinn Fein three years ago. He added: "After a period of tough negotiations. it was my view that, provided our conditions were met, the overwhelming majority of the people of Northern Ireland wanted me to do the deal. It was as simple as that."

Mr Paisley said he was unhappy that some DUP members, including Mr Allister, left the party in the wake of the move, but insisted he had made the right choice.

I believe I showed the leadership required to get the best possible deal in the circumstances," he added.

Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward described Mr Paisley as a giant figure in politics over four decades.

"He is a remarkable figure whose politics are born from the deepest principles and most fervently held conviction and who not only contributed to debate, but often dominated it," he said. "Stormont and Westminster alike will miss his immense character and personality."

His son's likely opponent in the election campaign, Mr Allister, had a different view of his contribution.

"For one who once championed traditional unionism – with such colourful pledges as Sinn Fein only getting into government over his dead body – sadly, his abiding legacy will be of bequeathing Ulster terrorist-inclusive government," he said. "This legacy will inevitably be an issue at the polls."

Mr Paisley's fellow assembly member for North Antrim, Mervyn Storey, had been talked of as another potential successor to his Westminster seat, but he ruled himself out yesterday, effectively opening the way for Mr Paisley jnr.

"This confirmed 'Paisleyite' has no hesitation in saying that Ian Paisley has been both a great man and a great servant to North Antrim, unionism and Ulster," Mr Storey said.

At the last general election in 2005, Mr Paisley won 25,156 votes, giving him a majority in the constituency of nearly 18,000.

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