Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today hailed the Rev Ian Paisley’s contribution to the peace process as his foe turned friend announced he was stepping down as an MP after four decades.
TheSinn Féin minister led tributes to the 83-year-old unionist figurehead after Mr Paisley confirmed he will not seek re-election in North Antrim in the forthcoming general election.
The warm relationship the former IRA commander forged with the firebrand Protestant preacher during their time at the head of Stormont‘s power-sharing government was one of the most remarkable and unexpected twists in the North‘s turbulent political history.
“I would make no secret of the fact that myself and Dr Paisley come from very different political backgrounds and for much of his political career I would have strongly opposed much of what he stood for,” Mr McGuinness said of the ex-first minister and Democratic Unionist Party leader.
“In more recent times however, particularly in the time that we spent in government, I found that we could work together for the good of the people that we represented without compromising our beliefs - he as a unionist and myself as a republican.
“I have to say also that in that time he and I became friends and we remain in contact still and I would wish him and his wife Eileen all the best for the future.”
Mr Paisley, who founded the DUP, is relinquishing the seat he first won in 1970. His decision, coming two years after he stood down as first minister and gave up the leadership of the DUP, throws up the prospect of an election battle between his son Ian Paisley jnr and leader of the hardline Traditional Unionist Voice party, Jim Allister.
Mr Allister, who resigned from the DUP in protest at the decision to enter government with Sinn Féin, has become a talisman for those unionists who remain opposed to the coalition at Stormont.
Announcing his decision in his local newspaper - the Ballymena Guardian - Mr Paisley said it had been a privilege to represent the area but it is 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.
Famed for his emotive oratory, Mr Paisley was a founding member of the Free Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 1951. His evangelical theology heavily influenced his political views and throughout the Troubles he forthrightly denounced Catholicism and the papacy.
During the conflict he was a fierce critic of powersharing with nationalists and of the Republic of Ireland having a say in Northern Ireland’s affairs. But in his later political life, the one-time cheerleader for hardline unionism underwent something of a conversion which finally saw him enter office with Sinn Féin.
His decision to accept the position of first minister with Mr McGuinness as his deputy in 2007 saw him hailed as a peacemaker by moderate unionists but criticised by many former followers who accused him of betraying Ulster.
What proved almost more extraordinary was the bonhomie the two erstwhile rivals shared during their year in office together, leading some to dub them the “Chuckle Brothers”.
Mr Paisley stood down as first minister in 2008. He was replaced by his long-time DUP deputy Peter Robinson, who also took the reins of the party.
Reflecting on his political career, Mr Paisley said he had “no regrets” about the landmark decision to go into power with Sinn Féin.
“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,” he said.
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 made the right choice. “I am sad that some people walked away but I believe I showed the leadership required to get the best possible deal in the circumstances,” he added.
His son is expected to be nominated as the DUP‘s candidate at a selection meeting in the constituency next Monday.
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.
“His decision to share government with Sinn Féin and to work as first minister with Martin McGuiness as deputy first minister sent a beacon of optimism around the world," he siad. “Stormont and Westminster alike will miss his immense character and personality.”
British prime minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to Mr Paisley for his “long and courageous career”.
Mr Brown’s spokesman said: ““He has been a passionate advocate on behalf of the Unionist community for
over four decades and his courage, both in committing to the path of reconciliation and compromise and in playing such a significant part in bringing the Unionist community in Northern Ireland with him, has enabled Northern Ireland to look forward to a bright, peaceful and more prosperous future.”
PA