Former First Minister Ian Paisley has died

The widow of the founder of both the DUP and the Free Presbyterian Church passed away this morning.

Baroness Eileen Paisley issued a statement saying her “beloved husband” had “entered his eternal rest”.

She added: “Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family we are heartbroken. We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed.”

The funeral is to be private, and attended only by Dr Paisley’s immediate family. However, Baroness Paisley said: “As a family we appreciate that there will be an expectation by those who admired him to express their gratitude for his life and their sorrow at his passing. To that end we will in due course publish details of a public memorial service which, will be scheduled later in the year.”

She added that there would be no further comment or statements made by the family at this time.