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05/03/2008
Ian Paisley Announces The End Is Nigh
Ian Paisley has dramatically announced his intention to step down as First Minister less than half way through his term of office.
Speculation raged after Mr Paisley invited journalists to a media briefing amidst mounting pressure from his party and growing speculation from the media he was soon to step down.
It is thought recent controversies surrounding his son have allowed pressure from senior DUP figures to hasten his premature departure.
However, Mr Paisley denies the connection with his early departure and the present discontent surrounding his son’s actions.
He said: "I am not a fool, people who thought that they could get at me, got at him."
"They thought they could damage me by the damage they sought to take out on him, but that did not move me."
Ian Paisley Jnr sparked unabated criticism after being appointed to the Policing board just weeks after resigning as Junior Minister in Stormont.
It is believed Mr Paisley Jnr caused anger among his party colleagues after making comments regarding taking on Sinn Fein on the board, suggesting other members of his party were failing to fulfill their duty.
Mr Paisley's son stepped down during mounting pressure over his dealings with local businessman Seymour Sweeney and the Giants Causeway Development, as well as a host of questions about a number of other property deals.
The minister also attracted a wave of criticism over the three salaries he was receiving from the public purse for three separate roles.
The minister rejects any suggestion of wrong doing.
Ian Paisley Senior has also denied Peter Robinson is set to take over. The deputy leader is reported to have taken a growing role within the party for some time.
"This is not the Church of Rome. This is not Apostolic succession and I have no right to say who will succeed me," Mr Paisley said.
Deputy First Minister Martin Mcguinness said: "Ian Paisley has played a very powerful role in the course of the politics of the north of Ireland and the island of Ireland.
The historic decision he took to go into government with Sinn Fein has changed the face of Irish politics forever."
Mr Paisley turns 82 next month and plans to continue his role as an MLA and MP.
(DW/JM)
Speculation raged after Mr Paisley invited journalists to a media briefing amidst mounting pressure from his party and growing speculation from the media he was soon to step down.
It is thought recent controversies surrounding his son have allowed pressure from senior DUP figures to hasten his premature departure.
However, Mr Paisley denies the connection with his early departure and the present discontent surrounding his son’s actions.
He said: "I am not a fool, people who thought that they could get at me, got at him."
"They thought they could damage me by the damage they sought to take out on him, but that did not move me."
Ian Paisley Jnr sparked unabated criticism after being appointed to the Policing board just weeks after resigning as Junior Minister in Stormont.
It is believed Mr Paisley Jnr caused anger among his party colleagues after making comments regarding taking on Sinn Fein on the board, suggesting other members of his party were failing to fulfill their duty.
Mr Paisley's son stepped down during mounting pressure over his dealings with local businessman Seymour Sweeney and the Giants Causeway Development, as well as a host of questions about a number of other property deals.
The minister also attracted a wave of criticism over the three salaries he was receiving from the public purse for three separate roles.
The minister rejects any suggestion of wrong doing.
Ian Paisley Senior has also denied Peter Robinson is set to take over. The deputy leader is reported to have taken a growing role within the party for some time.
"This is not the Church of Rome. This is not Apostolic succession and I have no right to say who will succeed me," Mr Paisley said.
Deputy First Minister Martin Mcguinness said: "Ian Paisley has played a very powerful role in the course of the politics of the north of Ireland and the island of Ireland.
The historic decision he took to go into government with Sinn Fein has changed the face of Irish politics forever."
Mr Paisley turns 82 next month and plans to continue his role as an MLA and MP.
(DW/JM)
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04 March 2008
Paisley Senior Pushed By Party
Ian Paisley is facing a new bout of pressure to step down as the leader of the DUP from his own party. There is growing speculation senior members of his party are considering plans to see the now 82 year-old politician to conclude his leadership amid further controversy surrounding Ian Paisley Jnr.
Paisley Senior Pushed By Party
Ian Paisley is facing a new bout of pressure to step down as the leader of the DUP from his own party. There is growing speculation senior members of his party are considering plans to see the now 82 year-old politician to conclude his leadership amid further controversy surrounding Ian Paisley Jnr.
26 February 2008
Donaldson Made Junior Minister
A relative 'new boy' to the Democratic Unionist Party, Co Down MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as Northern Ireland's new Junior Minister. A former Ulster Unionist, Mr Donaldson, who is the Lagan Valley MP, defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader, David (now Lord Trimble).
Donaldson Made Junior Minister
A relative 'new boy' to the Democratic Unionist Party, Co Down MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as Northern Ireland's new Junior Minister. A former Ulster Unionist, Mr Donaldson, who is the Lagan Valley MP, defected to the DUP in 2004 after a high-profile fall-out with his then party leader, David (now Lord Trimble).
20 February 2008
DUP Not Disclosing 'Family' Staffing
The DUP has been left behind as the sole NI party not to have revealed which of its members have family members employed in backroom posts. Details emerged from the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) - where it has been revealed that seven UUP members are currently employing family members - and paying them from the public purse.
DUP Not Disclosing 'Family' Staffing
The DUP has been left behind as the sole NI party not to have revealed which of its members have family members employed in backroom posts. Details emerged from the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) - where it has been revealed that seven UUP members are currently employing family members - and paying them from the public purse.
18 February 2008
P45 For Paisley Junior
Mounting pressure over payroll revelations, lobbying claims and links with developers has forced Ian Paisley jnr to step down as Junior Minister in the Stormont Executive. Speaking outside Stormont Castle, Mr Paisley admitted the last 10 months had not been without controversy.
P45 For Paisley Junior
Mounting pressure over payroll revelations, lobbying claims and links with developers has forced Ian Paisley jnr to step down as Junior Minister in the Stormont Executive. Speaking outside Stormont Castle, Mr Paisley admitted the last 10 months had not been without controversy.
07 February 2008
Paisley Jnr Defends 'Three Paycheck' Controversy
The Assembly Junior Minister, MLA, and Assistant to Paisley Snr at Westminster, Ian Paisley Jnr, has spoken out in defence of his present 'triple whammy' of government offices.
Paisley Jnr Defends 'Three Paycheck' Controversy
The Assembly Junior Minister, MLA, and Assistant to Paisley Snr at Westminster, Ian Paisley Jnr, has spoken out in defence of his present 'triple whammy' of government offices.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
