TUV leader 'looking forward' to North Antrim fight

THE REV Ian Paisley’s statement that he is to retire from Westminster was greeted with disdain by the man expected to mount the…

THE REV Ian Paisley’s statement that he is to retire from Westminster was greeted with disdain by the man expected to mount the most serious challenge to the DUP’s hold on the North Antrim seat.

TUV leader Jim Allister said Dr Paisley once “championed traditional unionism”, but added: “Sadly, his abiding legacy will be of bequeathing [to] Ulster terrorist-inclusive government . . . I look forward to the campaign in North Antrim, believing that a constituency which for decades has shown its attachment to the tested and tried principles of traditional unionism will continue that affinity, despite its outgoing MP having spectacularly abandoned them to give us the chuckle routine with IRA leader McGuinness.”

Other political figures refrained from criticism of Dr Paisley.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “Attitudes changed as a result of his actions in the latter end of his political career.”

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Mr McGuinness said he and Dr Paisley had formed “a strong friendship”.

Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward said he had been a giant figure in politics. “He is a remarkable figure . . . who not only contributed to debate, but often dominated it.”

Alliance leader David Ford said: “Ian Paisley has a very significant reputation as a representative of the people of North Antrim . . . regardless of their background.”

Mervyn Storey, one of Dr Paisley’s closest Assembly colleagues in North Antrim, said: “People used to try to insult us in the DUP by calling us ‘Paisleyites’ . . . 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. He deserves our thanks for the years of service and sacrifice.”