Sunday, May 18, 2008    Weather: weather icon Hi: 12°C / Lw: 7°C

Politics


Paisley Jnr quits after months of pressure

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The DUP yesterday called time on Ian Paisley Jnr's Ministerial career. His resignation followed months of sustained pressure over his links to developer Seymour Sweeney.

Mr Paisley hit out at his critics once again as he announced his resignation at Stormont Castle - with no party colleagues by his side.

The latest controversy, surrounding his publicly-funded constituency office, is believed to have convinced senior DUP figures that he had to go.

Meanwhile MLAs from other parties last night signalled that they do not accept the controversy is over just yet.

The resignation, which comes on the back of the demoralising by-election defeat for the DUP in Dromore last week, has now fuelled speculation about Ian Paisley Snr's future as both First Minister and party leader.

Don't Miss . . .

In Pictures:
Big screen riot

Rangers fans clash with police after TV failure

In Pictures:
Burma cyclone

Disease, hunger and thirst threatens survivors

In Pictures:
China quake

More shocking images in the aftermath of earthquake

Papal mystery

Did pope finance King Billy's invasion of England?

School is
out for order

Christian Brothers retreat from education

In Pictures:
Carnival of Culture

Berlin's four-day party to celebrate world cultures

In Pictures:
Crash scene

Police officers are injured as car fails to stop

In Pictures:
Bertie at the Boyne

Taoiseach's last day spent with Big Ian at Boyne centre

In Pictures & Video:
2008 Business Awards

Belfast Telegraph's glittering gala ceremony

In Pictures:
Undie-cover Agent

Agent Provocateur's revealing lingerie launch


Video

Video: Titanic town

Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition

BT Woman of the Year

Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women

Omagh blaze tragedy

Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire

Belfast Telegraph
Property Awards

Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala

Best view in town

Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel