Back-Slapping All Round As Robinson Confirmed In Top Post

On the night his election as the Democratic Unionist Party's Leader was confirmed, East Belfast MP Peter Robinson has paid a warm tribute to his predecessor, Ian Paisley, the founder and first ever leader of the party.

The 59-year-old added: "Ian has brought the Province through its most difficult of times. We have come out of the difficulties to have a Province which now has a great hope and opportunity.

"It is up to the new leadership when it does take place to harvest the advantages that have been hard won to ensure that the Northern Ireland in the future is a Northern Ireland which our young people will be proud to live in and to grow up in."

Meanwhile, Mr Paisley's last official engagement as DUP leader will be at a special tribute event in Belfast on May 30.

It is understood the DUP has hired the Balmoral Hall, part of the King's Hall complex, for a free farewell bash open to the public and DUP faithful.

Mr Paisley is expected to officially step down as the party leader the following day.

He is also due to give a rousing final leader's speech, on a night which will focus on his 38 years at the helm of the party.

However, it is believed he will remain as Northern Ireland First Minister until mid-June.

In a joint statement, Mr Robinson and Nigel Dodds - the new Deputy Leader - said they were "deeply honoured" to be given the responsibility to lead the party.

"We want to pay tribute to Dr Paisley and the sterling service which he has given," they said.

"The DUP and Northern Ireland owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr Paisley for his leadership over many decades.

"He has a unique ability and it would be foolish for anyone to try and mimic his style of leadership."

Congratulating the new leadership, Mr Paisley was reported to have said: "There is great responsibility in leading the largest political party in Northern Ireland, but I have full confidence that the new leadership team will lead the DUP on to many successes in the future."

Mr Robinson pledged the post-Ian Paisley Democratic Unionist Party will fight for its community's agenda and oppose republicanism at every turn as it has always done.

He added: "It is a very difficult, almost frightening prospect to follow the leadership of someone of such a mighty standing in the community, someone who is a legend within the unionist community.

"But the upside of all of that is that Ian Paisley has been trailblazer. He has been able to build up the party and he is handing over a party in very good spirit."

Mr Robinson has been the deputy leader of the DUP for almost 28 years and an MP for 29.

(BMcC)