Paisley, Ian

(1926– )

   Ian Paisley is bestknownas the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland and for years was an opponent of any power-sharing agreement that involves working alongside the Sinn Féin Party.He was the founder of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and has been noted for his expression of anti-Catholic sentiments. (In 1988 he shouted down Pope John Paul II in the European Parliament, denouncing him as the Antichrist.) In 1970 he was elected as a Member of Parliament for North Antrim, the constituency he still holds – making him the longest-servingmemberof theHouseofCommonsfrom the province. In 1971 he formed the DUP. In 1979 he was elected as a member of the European Parliament. The DUP has steadily increased its popular support and won seats in the local council, province, national and European elections, gradually increasing its hold over the unionist community to become its largest party.

   For many years he has often been portrayed in the media as a loud, aggressive figure who makes inflammatory speeches which have sometimes fomented violence. He tends to see issues in stark Biblical terms and his fiery, provocative speeches and denunciations of opponents make ‘Big Ian’ or ‘Dr No’ seem an uncompromising enemy, which is why opponents see him as a demagogic wrecker whose extremism makes it difficult for Protestants and Catholics to share power. Supporters claim that he is a worthy defender of the union of Britain and Northern Ireland, praise his sturdy defence of unionism and have faith in him to defend them from Dublin/Rome rule. Paisley remains a key figure in Northern Ireland politics. His decision to stand down from the European Parliament in 2004 seemed to indicate that he was gradually shedding former commitments. However, following talks with Gerry Adams in 2007, he now heads the power-sharing executive in the Northern Ireland Assembly, serving as First Minister. Paisley and his Deputy, Martin McGuinness, appear to have established a good working relationship.