Larne councillors pay tribute as Ian Paisley laid to rest

The founder of both the DUP and the Free Presbyterian Church, Lord Bannside (88) was previously MP for Larne when it was part of the North Antrim constituency.

Baroness Eileen Paisley issued a statement saying her “beloved husband” had “entered his eternal rest”.

She added: “Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family we are heartbroken. We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed.”

The funeral is to be private, and attended only by Dr Paisley’s immediate family. However, Baroness Paisley said: “As a family we appreciate that there will be an expectation by those who admired him to express their gratitude for his life and their sorrow at his passing. To that end we will in due course publish details of a public memorial service which, will be scheduled later in the year.”

She added that there would be no further comment or statements made by the family at this time.

The Larne Times broke the news of Lord Bannside’s passing to Larne DUP deputy mayor Gregg McKeen, who described him as “a great in Ulster politics”.

Cllr McKeen added: “He showed tremendous energy, dedication and commitment not only to founding from scratch the Free Presbyterian Church, which is his legacy, but also in political terms in he stood his ground and as far as Northern Ireland is concerned the Union is stronger now than it has ever been.”

DUP Alderman Winston Fulton, who worked with Dr Paisley since 1969, paid tribute to “a great man with a big heart”.

He added: “Dr Paisley always had Northern Ireland in his heart and worked hard to ensure the Protestant voice was heard.

“But many people don’t release how much work he did for the whole community. He used to have an advice centre in Larne back in the 1970s when it was part of the North Antrim constituency, and people from both sides of the community came seeking his help; he never turned anyone away.

“I know a lot of people didn’t agree with Dr Paisley sitting down with Sinn Fein, but he did what he felt was right. A lot of credit must go to him for how far Northern Ireland has come in recent years.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of his death and my sympathies go out to his wife and family.”