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Ian Paisley bids his final farewell to Westminster
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
A crowd of students pictured at a meeting with Ian Paisley (centre) near Belfast City Hall. 9/10/1968.
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Former DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley made his farewell speech in the Commons last night, insisting Northern Ireland was “moving in the right direction”.
In an 11-minute valedictory speech, Mr Paisley wished for a time when the “Troubles” would be forgotten.
And he paid tribute to the Ulster people as “loving and caring”.
Peter Robinson, the current DUP leader, paid tribute to his predecessor's “colourful career,” describing him as a “colossus” of Northern Ireland politics.
“His name will be remembered in the history of Northern Ireland as one of the most influential figures in unionism,” Mr Robinson said.
“His leadership has been a major factor in bringing Northern Ireland through to the peaceful and stable society we are now enjoying.”
In a parliamentary career dating back to 1970 Mr Paisley often dominated debates on Northern Ireland with feats of towering oratory.
But last night he was in reflective mood before stepping down at the General Election.
He said the day had come when Northern Ireland must face the facts.
“There are people in Northern Ireland who have diverse religious convictions and diverse political convictions — but they can live together as neighbours.
“I am confident that with the good friendship that is in this House towards Northern Ireland that we will go forward and come to a day — I may not live to see it — when these Troubles will be forgotten.”
But he acknowledged there were “deep wounds” still to overcome and insisted: “We won't forget the price that was paid.”
Mr Paisley said: “Northern Ireland is moving in the right direction and this House needs to encourage it to go forward at this time.”
He welcomed the “good work” of various Northern Ireland Secretaries while admitting “some of them we would liked to have punched”.
In debate on parliamentary orders that will enable the creation of a Department for Justice in Northern Ireland, he added: “It doesn't mean we have reached the end of the journey — far from it. But we are in the right way.”
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Comments
24 Comments
the big head has done good.
Posted by bill | 24.03.10, 18:34 GMT
Mr.Paisley has a legacy because of his determination. Mr. Paisleys' intellect allowed him to raise the "colossus" or turn it off to listen from which should be considered a very astute trait. In a place where turning on weapons and turning them off seems so simple then thought should be an aspiration.
Posted by Robert David Wright | 24.03.10, 03:09 GMT
The part time MP, I hope he doesnt become a part time member in The House of Lords
Posted by glen | 23.03.10, 23:20 GMT
As Rev Ian Paisley says farewell to Westminister, he leaves behind a fitting text, for Paisleyism to ponder.
'Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgement'. (Job 32:9)
Posted by Rev Mervyn Cotton | 23.03.10, 21:55 GMT
Its a funny thing that Ian Paisley only became a great man when he decided to do a u-turn on his long held beliefs and pander to republicans. His treachery in one sense was worse than even Trimble's, the man he labelled a "roll over unionist".
Posted by Graham | 23.03.10, 19:18 GMT
“moving in the right direction”.
In an 11-minute valedictory speech, Mr Paisley wished for a time when the “Troubles” would be forgotten.
Personally, as a Catholic. I applaud him.
This is great news for NI. He, as with all politicians, had his transgressions.
Great news Dr Paisley.
Posted by Chris | 23.03.10, 18:46 GMT
JUDAS.
David Norris, 100 per cent correct, you are not a bigot, but telling the truth. It is perfectly reasonable to oppose terrists in government. I see elsewhere Jack Straw has stated the yorkshire ripper will never be let out of jail. Pity it wasn't the same here in NI with the scum walking our streets and sitting in government laughing at us.
Posted by stve | 23.03.10, 18:15 GMT
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
That says it all Graham. Well said
Posted by Éamonn | 23.03.10, 17:48 GMT
Ian Paisley is a giant politically and the few who try to slight him are minnows of no real consequence.
Posted by Darrell Monteith | 23.03.10, 17:43 GMT
Like so many before him age defeated Paisley. A very devisive figure for most of his career. However history will be kind to him. A better Northern Ireland has been achieved because of his deeds and for that we should all be grateful.
Posted by Michael Riley | 23.03.10, 17:29 GMT
Mr Paisley,
Enjoy your retirement, thank you for your continued service to God and to this country.
God Bless you Sir!
Posted by Black Country Patriot | 23.03.10, 17:11 GMT
David Norris - Quite possibly doesn't even exist...... says it all !
Please take your frustration, anger and deep rooted unhappiness elsewhere and leave the rest of us to move into the light TOGETHER.
Posted by Ian Presley | 23.03.10, 16:54 GMT
Those who would call Ian Paisley a traitor should consider when they last changed their own so-called 'minds' about anything.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
Posted by Graham Smyth | 23.03.10, 15:53 GMT
David Norris you sir are a fool. Ian Paisley did not admit terrorists into government. I think you will find that the only way people get into government is via a process known as voting.
Posted by The Baron | 23.03.10, 15:46 GMT
A traitor? Paisley is seen by hardline unionists as a traitor and sf are seen as traitors by hardline republicans. You have alot in common. If both of these crowd didnt make compromise there still be a war going on. I worry for the future when i see the type of clowns posting on here. Id doubt youd ever actually get up and do anything of course.
Posted by Terry | 23.03.10, 15:13 GMT
Young people can learn from Ian Pasisley to speak out on what you stand for . I may not agree with what Ian Paisley always says but I amire him to speak his mind. So many just sit on their hands and disagree under their breath should learn from Ian Pasisley.
Posted by phl | 23.03.10, 14:06 GMT
I have to say that never in my life would I have expected to shake this man's hand, let alone to be proud to do so.
He is the man most responsible for the peace we now enjoy.
Yes he had to compromise but so did Sinn Fein, I think the majority of both sides of the community have a lot to thank him for, despite the views he held until recently.
Posted by Steve S | 23.03.10, 13:25 GMT
When you read the full speech there is no mention of his faith or God. Bit unusual for the man he used to be.
Posted by John from Antrim | 23.03.10, 13:05 GMT
David Norris
You sir are a bigott.
just so you know.
Posted by Marlowe | 23.03.10, 12:19 GMT
I say fair play to Paisley. He changed for the better. For himself and for the people he represents. He showed them the way forward. His legacy is the stabilisation of his country.
Posted by Éamonn | 23.03.10, 11:40 GMT
24 Comments