The First Minister gave a 30- minute speech at the annual Ulster Fry fringe event, sponsored by the Belfast Telegraph, at the Labour Party's autumn conference.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness had been billed to attend but organisers said he declined because it clashed with a trip to America.

Pat Doherty, the party's vice president, was down as his replacement.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan was also on the guest list along with UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband and northern secretary Shaun Woodward.

Junior Northern Ireland Office minister Paul Goggins, was also at the event.

He said that he hoped Mr Paisley would say how he planned to complete the job of devolution.

He added: "There's a job to be done and that is to deliver devolution on policing and justice. Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness have given me great confidence in the way they have worked together that that can be done.

"I don't see any reason why there should be any delay and we will be ready."

Chris McEvoy, from Champ, which organised the event, said: "Ian Paisley will be talking about party issues and how he is finding the new executive.

"He will also be describing his vision for the future development of the Northern Ireland economy.

"This is a great annual event which has seen some historic moments."