Tributes pour in for former First Minister Dr Ian Paisley

Dr Paisley’s death was announced by his wife, Baroness Eileen Paisley on Friday afternoon. In a statement Mrs Paisley said: “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.”

In Lisburn, the Union flag at the Civic Centre was flown at half mast and a book of condolence, which has been signed by the Mayor, Councillor Andrew Ewing, has been opened. Books of condolence will also be made available at the Lisburn Leisureplex and the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum.

Extending his deepest sympathy to the Paisley family, Mr Ewing said: “He was a person who will never be forgotten and the Council was pleased to welcome Dr Paisley as a guest of honour to a number of our civic functions and ceremonies. He was held in the highest esteem.

“He will remain one of Northern Ireland’s most unforgettable people who made a hugely significant contribution to the transition to peace.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Dr Paisley’s family and I know their deep faith will be a comfort to them in the days that lie ahead.”

Lagan Valley MLA and Health Minister Edwin Poots, who is well known as a strong supporter of Dr Paisley, said he mourned the death of his friend.

Speaking at the Assembly, which was adjourned on Monday as a mark of respect, Mr Poots said: “The greatest tribute to Ian Paisley will not be in the eloquent speeches of people in this Chamber or, indeed, in the well-crafted words of Prime Ministers or statesmen.

“The greatest tribute to Ian Paisley will be those simple tributes that will come and have come from many men and women over the weekend that they came to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through hearing the preaching of Ian Paisley.

“I had the privilege from being a very young boy of hearing that preaching.

“He spoke with fire and fervour, with passion and compassion and with power and conviction, and his impact was felt right across Northern Ireland but well beyond Northern Ireland.

“The more I got to know Ian Paisley, the more I liked the man. He was more than a colleague. He was caring, he was kind and he was wise. He could be quite crafty. For me, he was a friend, a brother and a mentor, but most of all he was a spiritual father. I had the opportunity of spending time with the family. As we recalled stories, we laughed and considered various things. We mourned, and we wept.

“As we gather to remember Ian Paisley, we owe it to him and to future generations to carry through the work that he has done and to ensure that it is not undone.

“He wanted peace in our land and peace in people’s hearts. There is a great work still to be done, and it is our duty to do it.”

Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan also spoke in the Assembly Chamber to pay tribute to his former party leader. “Today, we have lost a son of Ulster. We have lost a mighty man of God.

“Dr Paisley was the embodiment of what it is to be for God and Ulster. Dr Paisley had an impact on my life that was immense.

“My grandfather and his two brothers were founding members of the Protestant Unionist Party, which then became the DUP. My father followed him, and I will always be, and proud to be, known as a Paisleyite. I wear it as a badge of honour.

“Our hearts are broken and we mourn with his family, but we are not without hope, because Dr Paisley is with the Lord.

“Dr Paisley is at home in glory, but we hear his voice loudly, as he says to those who remain, “put on the whole armour of God”, “Fight the good fight”, “press toward the mark”, “run ... the race that is set before us”, and, “God be with you till we meet again”.

On Sunday at Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church, Dr John Douglas paid tribute to the man he said “pointed him to Christ.”

Addressing the congregation, Dr Douglas said: “There wouldn’t be one here in this service but for Dr Paisley, for the simple fact there would be no Free Presbyterian Church.

“He was a man of great faith and he would often say I was the first person he pointed to the Lord.

Dr Paisley was laid to rest in Ballygowan following aprivate service at the Paisley family home on Monday (September 15).