Portrait of a statesman

The portrait is to hang in the Assembly's gallery and was commissioned to celebrate the former First Minister.

Lord Bannside has been a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly since 1998.

His historic term as First Minister, following the return of devolution in 2007, came to an end on June 5, 2008. Lord Bannside was painted by Irish artist David Nolan, from Dublin, and will hang on the first floor of Parliament Buildings, alongside other portraits of First and deputy First Ministers. Steps are now being taken to commission a portrait of David Trimble.

"The corporate body of the Assembly decided some time ago to commission portraits of all retired First and Deputy First Ministers, and because we have a cap on how much we can spend on a painting, this came in on budget and the family liked it. I must say, as a painting it is certainly Ian Paisley. It is very typical of him," said Mr Hay.

"As Speaker for the Assembly I made the presentation to him. It was a lovely evening, there were quite a number of guests from right across political, religious and academic spheres. It was a very historical occasion for the Assembly and an opportunity to recognise his time as First Minister, to recognise the contribution he has made to bringing final peace to Northern Ireland.

"Dr paisley was delighted with the image, very much delighted and I think the feature of the painting he used to wear as he went into 10 Downing street and tat very much is the focus of the painting."

In addition to the statesman, practically all the Paisley family were also in attendance, making it a family affair as well as an historic occasion.