Blair, Ahern agree: Paisley made it happen

Politics

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Two leaders who Ian Paisley regularly condemned during and after the emergence of the Good Friday Agreement last night led the tributes to him.

Former Prime Minsiter Tony Blair praised Mr Paisley's "decisive" contribution.

He said: "Ian Paisley's contribution to peace, after all the years of division and difference was decisive and determinative.

"In short, in the final analysis, he made it happen. The man famous for saying 'no' will go down in history for saying 'yes'.

"He did so personally convinced it was right and in reaching that conviction, consigning to the past the feelings he once so trenchantly articulated."

And Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said despite their differences, they worked well together.

"I'm not going to say I didn't spend most of my political life taking a different point of view (to Mr Paisley), I did," he said.

"But when it came down to making the Good Friday Agreement work and to having an inclusive executive in Northern Ireland and to have North-South bodies, he made the big moves."

The Taoiseach said Mr Paisley's would leave behind significant new hurdles.

"We've worked hard to get the stability, we've worked hard to build a relationship with Dr Paisley, " he said.

"We've achieved that, it was not easy, and now the main player in a few months' time will go off the stage.

" We have to now work to see if that harmonious relationship can continue. Obviously, I hope so but time will decide that."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also praised his "huge contribution to political life in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom".

"The whole country values and admires the manner in which he has led as First Minister. His commitment and dedication to public service deserve our gratitude. Progress on bringing a lasting peace to Northern Ireland would not have been possible without his immense courage and leadership," he said.

And Peter Hain, the former Secretary of State who helped broker the deal which brough the DUP and Sinn Fein into government commended his "absolutely historic role".

"I am sure that the decision he has taken will be the best one for his family as a very close family man. I wish him all the best for the future."

He went on: "I worked very closely with him leading up to this; we got on extremely well."

Shaun Woodward, the current Secretary of State said: "Dr Paisley has provided outstanding leadership as First Minister and has brought his party to the historic position of power sharing Government in Northern Ireland.

"The established peace and continuing prosperity which everyone in Northern Ireland now enjoys, owes a significant debt to the leadership of Dr Paisley.

"Whilst the future leadership of the DUP is obviously a matter for his party, we should all recognise the achievements of this very considerable figure in the history and politics of Northern Ireland."

Another former Secretary of State Paul Murphy said: "Mr Paisley is a big man in every way and a political force to be reckoned with. He always treated me courtesy and respect. Northern Ireland owes him a great debt as he successfully and jointly led Northern Ireland to the great advancement of peace and stability. "

David Hanson, former Political Development Minister, said: " Ian Paisley has made a great contribution to the political peace process in Northern Ireland.

"I have found him very easy to work with as political development minister.

"I wish him well for his retirement."

And Conservative Party leader David Cameron said: "Ian Paisley has been a formidable figure in British politics for many decades.

"His term as First Minister of Northern Ireland has helped to forge a peace which many thought was impossible to achieve.

"Dr Paisley's willingness to work closely with former opponents to build a new future for Northern Ireland has captured the world's imagination and earned him the gratitude of the people of Northern Ireland."