Tributes for Lord Bannside

First Minister Peter Robinson said: “I don’t think that there’s anyone who has had more influence in Northern Ireland over the years.

“He made a massive contribution, particularly to the process in which we are currently engaged.

“Even those who thought the least of his politics thought the most of him as a person.

“He had a tremendous presence. You could see when he entered a room the whole focus of the room changed.

“He was a fantastic character, a real personality.”

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Dr Ian Paisley.

“There will be plenty of time for political analysis but at this point I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ian’s wife Eileen and to the Paisley family at this very sad time.”

Former SDLP leader John Hume said: “I knew Ian Paisley well throughout our many years in politics and we enjoyed a close working relationship in the European Parliament.

“During this time Mr Paisley was a larger than life character in Irish politics and a dominant voice within unionism.

“While he was not always constructive, and often politically challenging, he could, on a personal level, be very charming.

“His overstated outbursts often overshadowed the understated constituency work he carried out for all the people of North Antrim whom he represented as an MP and MLA, and the tireless efforts he made on behalf of Northern Ireland as a member of the European Parliament.”

Former prime minister Tony Blair said: “Ian was a man of deep convictions. The convictions never changed. But his appreciation of the possibilities of peace, gradually and with much soul-searching, did.

“He began as the militant. He ended as the peacemaker.

“Over time I got to know him well. He could be an uncompromising even intransigent opponent. But he was also someone who loved Northern Ireland and its people.

“He led them but he also followed them. When they said to him peace was thinkable, he made it possible.”

Former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern said: “Ian was a big man, he had a big heart.

“In my younger days I found him a very difficult character but we ended up very good friends. He was a valuable character in the peace process.”

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said: “I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to him in recent years, and I know that he treasured the peace and friendship that he had lived to see, and helped to build, between our traditions.

“His devotion to his faith and to the unionist people of Northern Ireland was deep and unshakeable.

“In time, history will come to a fuller judgment of his long career. And, while he was of course a divisive figure, his greatest legacy will be one of peace.”