Paisley Honoured By Political Heavy Weights

The North's First Minister, who announced yesterday that he will be standing down in May, has been honoured by fellow political heavy weights.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Mr Paisley will be known as a "giant of Irish history" who worked tirelessly for his people and sincerely did what he believed in.

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness commended the DUP leader for changing the face of Irish politics forever by agreeing to share power with republicans.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair described Mr Paisley as being famous for saying "no", but would be remembered as the man who said "yes".

Peter Robinson, is the early favourite to take over as DUP leader and Nigel Dodds as deputy however announcing his resignation, Mr Paisley would not be drawn on who would succeed him.

"This is not the Church of Rome," he said. "This is not Apostolic succession and I have no right to say who will succeed me.

"The person will succeed me when the mark is on the paper and the ballot is cast.”

(GK/JM)