POLITICS: 'Mission accomplished'

In a 'farewell' speech to the North Antrim Democratic Unionist Association he said: "Forty years ago when I became the member of Parliament for North Antrim the Union was in a state of crisis. Unionism was on the back foot and we had entered into a very dark period of troubled times for our land.

"I can, forty years later say that things have undoubtedly improved. The Union which we cherish has been preserved, local powers have been restored to local people and I believe that Unionism under the stewardship of the DUP is stronger than it has been for a generation. In fact I can say 'mission accomplished!'

"Whilst there will be those who will always detract, none have had to make the tough decisions and none have had the position of responsibility for our country. I believe I have always had the best interests of Ulster at heart and I believe the support for myself and my party is a demonstration of that intent.

"Forty years is a long time to give service. There have been highs and lows, a journey that has led me to jail and a journey that has led me to leadership of the country. But it is a journey that I believe God's divine hand has been at the steering wheel and a journey that I believe has had great and lasting results.

"As Member of Parliament for North Antrim I have always been humbled by the support my people have given to me. I have tried to set a standard of representation. I have been a voice for my people, a voice for voiceless folks who needed strong and determined representation to take this constituency away from a place of neglect and to make it the envy of Westminster. "Once again I believe I can declare 'Mission accomplished.'

"As the Bible tells us there is a season for everything and for me the season of working as your member of parliament is coming to an end. There is now a time to hand on the baton and for the race to be run by someone else. I do so with an immense sense of pride in what has been achieved and with equal sadness that this chapter in my public service is closing. "But as each chapter closes a new one begins and so I too look forward to the challenges and opportunities that tomorrow brings knowing that always God's will to be done.

"I would like to congratulate Ian Paisley Jnr, my youngest son, upon his selection to contest this seat for the DUP. He knows he will have my total support. Ian has already a proven track record as a public representative. He has fought and won elections here in North Antrim since 1996 and I look forward to joining him on the campaign trail and helping to fight and win this seat for our party.

"Unlike most I know more about this candidate than anyone else. I know of his dedication to duty, of his love for this country of his desire to serve his community and of his ability to get things done for people. He will make an excellent Member of Parliament. He will hold high the standard of the unionist people and he will represent all with fairness and determination,” said Dr Paisley.