Tony Blair honours ‘peace-maker’ Paisley

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, who presided over the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland through the Belfast Agreement, said Rev Ian Paisley was a man of deep convictions.

“The convictions never changed. But his appreciation of the possibilities of peace, gradually and with much soul searching, did. He began as the militant. He ended as the peace-maker,” said Mr Blair.

“Over time I got to know him well. He could be an uncompromising even intransigent opponent. But he was also someone who loved Northern Ireland and its people. He led them but he also followed them. When they said to him peace was thinkable, he made it possible.

“His religious beliefs were profound and genuine. He talked to me often about the need for forgiveness and I am sure part of what made him finally take the road to peace, was his capacity, driven by his Christian belief, to contemplate and then work for reconciliation.

“I don’t suppose 40 years ago he would ever have thought that politically his life then would end as it does now. But I know he and Eileen would be very proud of his huge contribution to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland.”

Fellow former prime minister Sir John Major voiced his "great admiration and respect" for the former DUP leader. Dr Paisley was a fierce opponent of the Downing Street Declaration which Mr Major signed in the early stages of the peace process in 1993. "Ian Paisley was a man of public passion and huge personal charm, who cared deeply for the community he served," he said. "From a position where he was suspicious of every movement towards peace, he came to embrace it, and served as the first First Minister of Northern Ireland. It was a remarkable journey by a remarkable man, for whom I had great admiration and respect."

Former prime minister Gordon Brown said few people have had "as massive an influence" on the recent politics of the United Kingdom as Dr Paisley. "His support for the peace process was vital in moving it forward. He will be remembered as a powerful preacher, a moral campaigner and a popular orator who combined humour and passion. "My thoughts are with Baroness Paisley and his surviving family."