Official Report (Hansard)

Monday 15 September 2014 Volume 97, No 3

Session 2014-2015

Contents

Assembly Business

Standing Order 20(1): Suspension ...... 1

Tributes to the Rt Hon Lord Bannside, Former First Minister ...... 1

Suggested amendments or corrections will be considered by the Editor.

They should be sent to: The Editor of Debates, Room 248, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX. Tel: 028 9052 1135 · e-mail: [email protected] to arrive not later than two weeks after publication of this report.

Assembly Members

Agnew, Steven (North Down) McAleer, Declan (West Tyrone) Allister, Jim (North Antrim) McCallister, John (South Down) Anderson, Sydney (Upper Bann) McCann, Fra (West Belfast) Attwood, Alex (West Belfast) McCann, Ms Jennifer (West Belfast) Beggs, Roy (East Antrim) McCarthy, Kieran (Strangford) Bell, Jonathan (Strangford) McCartney, Raymond (Foyle) Boylan, Cathal (Newry and Armagh) McCausland, Nelson (North Belfast) Boyle, Ms Michaela (West Tyrone) McCorley, Ms Rosaleen (West Belfast) Bradley, Dominic (Newry and Armagh) McCrea, Basil (Lagan Valley) Bradley, Ms Paula (North Belfast) McCrea, Ian (Mid Ulster) Brady, Mickey (Newry and Armagh) McDonnell, Alasdair (South Belfast) Buchanan, Thomas (West Tyrone) McElduff, Barry (West Tyrone) Byrne, Joe (West Tyrone) McGahan, Ms Bronwyn (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) Cameron, Mrs Pam (South Antrim) McGimpsey, Michael (South Belfast) Campbell, Gregory (East Londonderry) McGlone, Patsy (Mid Ulster) Clarke, Trevor (South Antrim) McGuinness, Martin (Mid Ulster) Cochrane, Mrs Judith (East Belfast) McIlveen, David (North Antrim) Copeland, Michael (East Belfast) McIlveen, Miss Michelle (Strangford) Craig, Jonathan (Lagan Valley) McKay, Daithí (North Antrim) Cree, Leslie (North Down) McKevitt, Mrs Karen (South Down) Dallat, John (East Londonderry) McKinney, Fearghal (South Belfast) Dickson, Stewart (East Antrim) McLaughlin, Ms Maeve (Foyle) Dobson, Mrs Jo-Anne (Upper Bann) McLaughlin, Mitchel (South Antrim) Douglas, Sammy (East Belfast) McMullan, Oliver (East Antrim) Dunne, Gordon (North Down) McNarry, David (Strangford) Durkan, Mark (Foyle) McQuillan, Adrian (East Londonderry) Easton, Alex (North Down) Maginness, Alban (North Belfast) Eastwood, Colum (Foyle) Maskey, Alex (South Belfast) Elliott, Tom (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) Milne, Ian (Mid Ulster) Farry, Stephen (North Down) Morrow, The Lord (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) Fearon, Ms Megan (Newry and Armagh) Moutray, Stephen (Upper Bann) Flanagan, Phil (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) Nesbitt, Mike (Strangford) Ford, David (South Antrim) Newton, Robin (East Belfast) Foster, Mrs Arlene (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) Ní Chuilín, Ms Carál (North Belfast) Frew, Paul (North Antrim) Ó hOisín, Cathal (East Londonderry) Gardiner, Samuel (Upper Bann) O'Dowd, John (Upper Bann) Girvan, Paul (South Antrim) O'Neill, Mrs Michelle (Mid Ulster) Givan, Paul (Lagan Valley) Overend, Mrs Sandra (Mid Ulster) Hale, Mrs Brenda (Lagan Valley) Poots, Edwin (Lagan Valley) Hamilton, Simon (Strangford) Ramsey, Pat (Foyle) Hay, William (Speaker) Ramsey, Ms Sue (West Belfast) Hazzard, Chris (South Down) Robinson, George (East Londonderry) Hilditch, David (East Antrim) Robinson, Peter (East Belfast) Humphrey, William (North Belfast) Rogers, Seán (South Down) Hussey, Ross (West Tyrone) Ross, Alastair (East Antrim) Irwin, William (Newry and Armagh) Ruane, Ms Caitríona (South Down) Kelly, Mrs Dolores (Upper Bann) Sheehan, Pat (West Belfast) Kelly, Gerry (North Belfast) Spratt, Jimmy (South Belfast) Kennedy, Danny (Newry and Armagh) Storey, Mervyn (North Antrim) Kinahan, Danny (South Antrim) Sugden, Ms Claire (East Londonderry) Lo, Ms Anna (South Belfast) Swann, Robin (North Antrim) Lunn, Trevor (Lagan Valley) Weir, Peter (North Down) Lynch, Seán (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) Wells, Jim (South Down) Lyttle, Chris (East Belfast) Wilson, Sammy (East Antrim)

Northern Ireland Assembly

Monday 15 September 2014

The Assembly met at 12.00 noon (Mr Principal Deputy Speaker [Mr Mitchel McLaughlin] in the Chair).

Members observed two minutes' silence.

Assembly Business Tributes to the Rt Hon Lord Bannside, Former First Minister

Mr Principal Deputy Speaker: Members will have been saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Principal Deputy Speaker: One of the the former First Minister the Rt Hon Lord saddest duties from this Chair is to report to the Bannside. Before I pay my own tribute, I advise House the passing of former or current the House that the Business Committee has colleagues. However, it always serves to agreed, as a mark of respect, to adjourn today's remind us that, no matter about the heat of the sitting after Members have had the opportunity political disagreements that we have in this to speak. That requires a formal item of House or elsewhere, ultimately, we are all business, which I will take now. made of the same flesh and bone.

Standing Order 20(1): Suspension I know that Members will have different views on Ian Paisley's politics and his legacy that they will want to express, but it is not for me to dwell Mr Weir: I beg to move on that from this Chair. However, there is no doubt that the former First Minister was That Standing Order 20(1) be suspended for instrumental in us all being in the Chamber 15 September 2014. today. Indeed, he will have influenced the politics of Members on all sides of the House. Mr Principal Deputy Speaker: Before we proceed to the Question, I remind Members that I think that Members will agree that politics has the motion requires cross-community support. lost a giant personality. The international coverage since his passing acts as proof of Question put and agreed to. that. To opponents or the public, in speeches or in interviews, Ian Paisley may have come Resolved (with cross-community support): across as a strident, foreboding character, but I know that many in the Chamber will also hold valued memories of his warm and personal That Standing Order 20(1) be suspended for nature. That came across in his reputation as a 15 September 2014. champion of all his constituents and, of course, combined with his sense of humour, on the election campaign trail, it made him a force of Mr Principal Deputy Speaker: Before we go any further, I wish to inform the House that the nature. Speaker has asked me to convey his apologies that he is unable to be here due to ill health. It is often the case that some of the most Members will appreciate that, given the long significant and memorable political figures are personal and political connection between the those who provoke a strong emotional reaction, Hay family and the late Lord Bannside, he positive and negative. Ian Paisley did that. He would have wished to be here, but I am sure was straight-talking whether you liked what he that the House will join me in wishing the said or not. Let us remember today that, Speaker a speedy recovery. regardless of his political contribution, he regarded himself first and foremost as a man of faith and family. We express our heartfelt Some Members: Hear, hear. condolences to Baroness Paisley and the entire Paisley family. It is safe to say that Northern politics would not have been the same without Ian Paisley. May he rest in peace.

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As is customary, I will now invite party leaders For most of his life, Ian was blessed to have to speak for around five minutes to pay tribute Eileen by his side whether he was battling in to our late friend and colleague. I will not the valley or marching on the mountaintop. She impose strict time constraints but I encourage gave him decades of love and support. At this Members to be brief and to speak for no more sad time, our prayers are with Baroness than three minutes in order to give time for as Paisley, her children, grandchildren and great- many as possible in the one and a half hours grandchildren. He was as special to them as that have been allocated for tributes. When they were to him, for his was a close and loving tributes are concluded, Members are invited to family circle. join me in signing the book of condolence in the Great Hall. The book of condolence will be Those of us who knew him best will remember available for Members, staff who work in the the fun and joy it was to be in his company. Building and for users of the Building to sign Today, we close the page on a long and until 3.00 pm today after which it will be open to glorious era, and already politics seems a little the public. The House will now pay its own less colourful and exciting. Ian has taken his respects. place in the chronicles of Ulster history, alongside the greats of unionism, making our Mr P Robinson: The custom on occasions heritage even richer. As a leader of men, a such as this is to comment and reflect on the friend of the people, a servant of the state and life's service and contribution of the person who the undisputed leader of unionism, Ian Paisley has passed away, but when the person is outclassed all around him. Ulster will never see someone who, head and shoulders above all the like of him again. He was an exceptional others, strode and dominated the public stage human being. He had a loyal heart, a fidelity to for a time beyond the adult life of all of us who freedom, a passion for democracy and a love sit in the House, it is a daunting task and one for public service. In a storm, he was oak and that no eloquence or command of detail could, granite, and in the sunshine, he radiated in truth and with fairness, accomplish. passion and commitment.

Ian Paisley was a remarkable man whose long Ian's faith shaped his entire life. We will never career in public life has left an indelible mark know, this side of eternity, just how many upon all of us who knew him. Like so many, I thousands of lives were changed through his was drawn towards politics by the clarity, preaching and witness. In a sermon he once certainty, strength and conviction of his preached entitled "Five Minutes After Death", message. The "Big Man", as he was known, he said: provided firm and decisive leadership when unionism lacked it most and needed it most. "If you hear ... that Ian Paisley is dead, don't The stage for his oratory ranged from the lofty believe ... it. I'll be more alive than ever ... debating chambers of the Mother of singing as I sang never before." Parliaments and the European Parliament to countless halls and meeting rooms across the Those of us who stood beside him when he did land. He was as much at home speaking on sing will know how blessed a hope that is. top of a wooden crate or a lorry platform in an open field as he was from the green or red I was present when Ian made what was Benches at Westminster, yet he had a special probably his final major speech, at an event in place in his heart for this Chamber. Whether on Hillsborough Castle, where he, along with the the opposition Benches or as First Minister on deputy First Minister and I, was awarded the this side, he loved Stormont. He could energise International Ellis Island Medal of Honour. and inspire those around him like no other Though his strength was waning and he moved person I had met before or have met since. slowly to the platform, his message displayed the clarity of his mind and the certainty of his He loved Ulster and her people. They returned convictions. He told of a time when he knelt at that love and trust by repeatedly lifting him to the feet of the saviour of the world and received the top of the poll in North Antrim and then eternal life. He told us it was this that had giving him poll-topping success in five driven him all his years and would drive him consecutive Northern Ireland-wide European through the gates of eternity to the land that is elections. He had a sincere interest in people's fairer than day, where wars will be no more, problems no matter who they were or whether where darkness shall surrender to eternal light their problems were large or small. There are and where we will sit in the majesty of God multitudes that have been touched by individual himself. He pronounced that in Northern acts of kindness that were carried out away Ireland we were moving in the right direction from the gaze of the media or the public. and, though we were facing significant problems, encouraged us all to complete the

2 Monday 15 September 2014 journey. He expressed the hope that future incredible for people who, undoubtedly for generations would be able to live in peace and many decades, intensely disliked each other. urged us to do our bit to reach that goal. We genuinely grew to like each other and, in doing so, we confounded the world. I think that He no longer sits among us, but we are was a good thing. He certainly made a huge entrusted with his legacy and stirred by his effort. In one of the first conversations that he injunction to finish the course and do our bit in and I had together, he said to me, "Martin, you securing lasting peace and stability for the land know, we can rule ourselves. We don't need he loved so much. these people coming over from England telling us what to do". On another occasion, when we Mr M McGuinness: I, too, thank you, Principal met here in Parliament Buildings with Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to say a representatives of the factions in conflict in few words about Ian Paisley today. Afghanistan, he went out of his way to describe himself — as I know he has done on previous First, I want to wish our Speaker, William Hay, occasions — as an Ulsterman and an Irishman, well. He is presently in hospital, and I hope that stressing, of course, that the Ulsterman came he recovers very quickly indeed. first. Those two statements were common ground that we could stand on and, as I said, it This is a very sad occasion for all of us. I have was an incredible experience. very fond memories of that weekend in the spring of 2007 when the First Minister and I, as In December 2007, we went off to the United Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness with no States of America to begin the work of trying to titles, sat down with other members of our party attract foreign direct investment so that we to work out and craft a statement that would be could give our people jobs, show the world that issued by Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams the we were open for business and that a following Monday; a statement that confounded transformation had taken place. I will never the international community, which had arrived, forget the meeting that he and I were involved en masse, to proclaim yet another glorious in with President George Bush in the Oval failure in the peace process. Office which was, supposedly, to last 20 minutes but lasted well over an hour. It was an That was a very remarkable experience; all the incredible experience. We were accompanied more remarkable because I remember that, as on that visit by the late John Harrison, well an 18- or 19-year-old on the streets of Derry, known to everybody in this Assembly. He was being like most of the other population in Derry, also someone we had a great friendship with in fear of Ian Paisley when he came to the city, and a great love for. Ian Paisley loved John with his huge stature, his booming voice and his Harrison. We had a memorable experience in politics, which we did not share or like. the Oval Office when one of our press officers, Paddy Cullen, was told by John, who thrust a There has been a lot of talk about his politics camera into his hand, to "snap everything in over the last couple of days and a lot of sight", when a flotilla of press people came in. criticism of the actions in which he was involved The sight of Paddy Cullen jumping up on in the past. And I say that, conscious that, from President Bush's sofa to take the photographs a unionist perspective, there are also a lot of always got a great laugh between Ian and me. perceptions and criticisms of people on this side of the Assembly. It is not so long ago that I went to see Ian and Eileen for coffee at their home. I spent almost 12.15 pm two hours with them, and I was really glad that we had that opportunity to talk. It was obvious to me that he was visibly weakening, but he had I will leave it to history to decide on Ian a project in mind and it was a project he wanted Paisley's legacy. I can really only talk about my me to attend. Sadly, that will not now be the experiences with him. The negotiations that the case, but we had a great conversation for two First Minister and I were involved in brought Ian hours. I regard Ian and Eileen Paisley as two of Paisley and me into the Office of the First the strongest supporters of the peace process Minister and deputy First Minister on the basis that anybody can imagine. I think I can say that of equality. I have to say that it was one of the without fear of contradiction. most memorable experiences of my life to be in that office with him for that year. From the word So, along with everybody else, I want to extend go, for some reason, we hit it off. Not alone did my deepest sympathy and condolences to we develop a positive and constructive working Eileen Paisley, her children, grandchildren and relationship, but we actually became friends. great-grandchildren. I think that she is a We grew to like each other, and that is remarkable woman and she played a very

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powerful role in a lot of the political changes future for our young people. I want to end on that brought many of us together in this House. that note. I think that Ian Paisley, whatever Sometimes, I think that is not recognised about his past, did a magnificent service for our enough. young people and for the future. For that, I am proud to be associated with him. When Ian left office, I asked the late, great Seamus Heaney to write out the "hope and Dr McDonnell: Thank you very much, Mr history" poem. Seamus wrote it out in his own Principal Deputy Speaker. Like others who hand on the most beautiful parchment paper spoke, I wish our Speaker, Willie Hay, a speedy you could imagine, and we got it framed. I was recovery to good health, because we miss him, to make the presentation to him. When I did and I am saddened that he is not able to be that in the Executive room, I also presented him with us here today. with one of my own poems about disappearing sea trout on the west coast of Ireland and My main purpose in speaking is to express my Native American Indians. About a month later, most sincere sympathy and that of my Ian asked to see me. He was in his own new colleagues and the SDLP to Baroness Paisley room after he had left office here in Parliament and the family, including the children and Buildings. I went up to the room and was grandchildren. I also extend a heartfelt brought into a side room, and there on the wall sympathy to colleagues opposite and DUP was Seamus Heaney's poem alongside mine. I colleagues of Lord Bannside across Northern said to him, "I appreciate very much you raising Ireland. I could never, and would never, agree me to the elite of the poets", and we had a great with much of Ian Paisley's politics, but that was laugh about that. understood and very clear, but I have to pay tribute to him as a committed constituency I was part of the delegation that went to representative and dedicated public servant. Liverpool to argue for City of Culture status for my city. We made the case. The I am not going to delve into the whys, announcement was to be made on 'The One wherefores or why nots. I will leave it to others Show', and we were all there for that. The and to history to judge Ian Paisley's contribution announcement was made, and we won against to this place, particularly in the latter days in all odds. The first phone call I received after I helping to bring about peace and devolution. In stepped down from the podium was from Ian 2007, his efforts ensured that power-sharing Paisley. He said, "Martin, I've just been and devolution were put back in place, but watching you on TV. This is a fantastic result today our thoughts are with the family and for the city and a great result for our young friends. people". That had a tremendous effect on me. I have known Ian Paisley for over 40 years. I At the same time, I know that when Ian left do not want to admit how many years over 40, office, a number of reasons were cited by but it is a while. Despite fundamental political journalists and so forth. Some said that the differences, at a personal level, we had many DUP thought that he was elderly, and he was, conversations and an enduring personal but others said that it was also because he was friendship that defied political differences. too friendly with me. There is food for thought in all of that for every Member, in that he had So, today our thoughts and sympathy must be the ability, coming from where he came from, to with Eileen, Baroness Paisley, with the bridge the differences with me, and, as I wrote extended family and with the grandchildren, in the book of condolence in my city at the who are grieving and trying to come to terms weekend, in rising above old enmities, we with this sad loss. We in the Chamber can pointed the way to a better and peaceful future. move on at various speeds — some of us will maybe be able to move on quicker than others I believe that the peace process has lost a great — but the point is that the family are left with a friend, and I have lost a friend. I know that, big gap in their lives. There is a husband, a over the weekend, some people in the father and a grandfather missing, and my and republican community took exception to me the SDLP's sympathy goes out to all of them on saying that. I have heard that, and it has been this sad and difficult day. Thank you. on social networks. I say this to them: if F W de Klerk had died before Nelson Mandela, what Mr Nesbitt: As I begin, Mr Principal Deputy would Nelson Mandela have said about F W de Speaker, may I, on behalf of my party, send our Klerk? best wishes to the Speaker? You acknowledged that Willie Hay has been taken We all have to rise to the occasion, folks. This unwell. The Ulster Unionist Party wishes him a is about peacemaking and building a better

4 Monday 15 September 2014 full and speedy recovery, and we look forward here to allow as many as possible to record to seeing him back in the Chamber as soon as their memories of Lord Bannside. possible. 12.30 pm In representing the Ulster Unionist Party, I acknowledge the loss of Ian Paisley — a loss Mr Ford: On behalf of my colleagues in the that will be felt most keenly by his family and by Chamber and in the Alliance Party generally, I the Members to my left in the Chamber. I was also wish to express our sympathy to Eileen, in my constituency office on Friday helping a Baroness Paisley, her children and family in need when the news came through, grandchildren, the family circle and those who and I believe that it is to the Paisley family that loved and respected Ian Paisley most. Also, as our thoughts should turn today. you have done, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, we wish to record our best wishes to the It is a powerful consideration that Lord Speaker for a speedy recovery, and we hope to Bannside's widow, Baroness Paisley, was see him back soon in his place in the Assembly. married to him for longer than many Members in the Chamber have been alive. This week, Ian Paisley was certainly a man of many parts; Eileen Paisley finds herself in a position that he was a preacher, a politician and, of course, a she has not been in since 1956: not having a partner and a parent. Many of us in the husband to turn to for comfort and for Chamber disagreed with many of the things that companionship. I have no doubt that her faith Ian Paisley did and said over many years, and and her family will be comforts of immeasurable we should not seek to brush that aside as we strength at this time. I do not know what value look at his legacy. The journalists are already she will place on the thoughts and prayers of asking the "what if" and the "what if not" the Ulster Unionist Party, but let me assure the questions, but the reason why we are paying House that she and her family are very much in tribute today is because he became First our thoughts at this time. Minister of Northern Ireland and he played his part in that. Ian Paisley was a huge figure, physically and metaphorically. He also made huge decisions On the day he stepped down from office, I that affected all of us in the most profound way, remember saying that historians would have to but I do not believe that this is the day for me to judge whether he was remembered for 40 years analyse his leadership or its legacy. This is the of saying no or for two years of saying yes; but day of his funeral, and I wish to be respectful of today we can commemorate the fact that we that occasion. There will be plenty of time to have a working Assembly and that he played a reflect on political relationships, on rationales significant part in ensuring that that happened. and on that legacy. I can certainly remember as far back as the My personal relationship with Dr Paisley was 1970s when, as well as being the preacher and more centred on my days as a broadcast the politician with the fiery rhetoric, he was also journalist than as a politician, and I have to say an assiduous constituency worker. I know that that interviewing Ian Paisley was always my colleagues in the Northern Health and something of an event. If you had not been Social Services Board saw many typewriter admonished by Ian Paisley, you could not ribbons — that is how long ago it was — worn consider yourself a proper journalist. Now he is out in the letters of reply that went back as he gone, as is Albert Reynolds. John Major, John followed up the case of any constituent who Hume, David Trimble, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, went to him. I have no doubt that the Northern Bertie Ahern and many, many others have all Health and Social Services Board was not the left the mainstream political stage, yet we are only public agency that bore the brunt of his still a long way from where they and we would representations on behalf of the people of North like to be. Antrim and, of course, subsequently as an MEP, of any part of Northern Ireland on whose So, on this day that a family mourns, let us behalf he cared to follow matters up. keep the Paisley household foremost in our thoughts, but let us also commit to finishing our I got to know him personally particularly well political journey — a journey that took Ian when, following the Good Friday Agreement Paisley on a remarkable voyage, for better and and the full restoration of powers to this place, I worse. was a member of the Agriculture Committee, which he chaired. There is no doubt that that I understand that there are many, many was a time when, some of us will remember, all Members wishing to speak today, so I will finish was not particularly easy in the Chamber. Sometimes, sitting in the Alliance Party wedge

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immediately between the DUP and Sinn Féin will miss him most, above all that, he was a was not always the easiest place to be. Yet, in devoted husband, a loving father and a caring the Committee, even though Ian Paisley was grandfather and great-grandfather. reluctant sometimes to use people's names, when he looked down the table and pointed and Anyone who knew Ian Paisley knew that, next said, "This gentleman will now ask a question", to his faith, his family was all-important to him. and the gentleman in question was our former The way in which he loved, cared for, protected colleague Francie Molloy, he proved that the and promoted them was central for him. He did political did not have to become the personal as it as he did most things: single-mindedly and well and he could take that forward. unabashed. The mutual devotion between him and his wife, Eileen, was legendary, so today It is clear that in the years following the Good we should think most of those who will miss him Friday Agreement, when the balance of power most. Personally and on behalf of my party, I in unionism changed, he could see a different wish to pass on to the Paisley family our role. I remember a conversation in the period sympathies at this time of great loss for them. that led up to the St Andrews Agreement, although it was some time before it, and which I have many good memories of earlier years. was private and which I did not report, from The House and the wider public know that, in which it was clear that he could see that there more recent times, I had significant differences was a need for change, that he wanted to see with Ian Paisley. I do not intend to dwell on change happen, and that he wanted to be part them today, but I would not be true to myself if I of something positive. He sought to bring his did not record that it is, of course, an abiding party around to that view along with others. regret for me that, after his decades of Eventually, of course, at St Andrews and then principled stand, his legacy in the House is in talks in and around this Building in the spring terrorists in government and a system that is of 2007, he saw that happen. not fit for purpose. None of that would have been possible without Ian Paisley. The Over the last few days, many journalists have arrangements that needed to be sold to those said that only he could have brought the DUP they needed to be sold to could be sold only by into that form of power-sharing. I tend to agree, Ian Paisley. By any standard, his was a because the reputation that he had established remarkable political journey. Whether one and the certainty with which he led his party approves or disapproves of it, one can but gave him the authority and the courage to make marvel at the journey from being the scourge of that change and to bring us to where we are, in republicanism to the proclaimed friend of an these institutions today, with credibility and with unrepentant IRA commander. that change. Whatever one's disagreements with Ian Paisley, I suspect that historians will record little of his you could not help but like him. A big man in actions as First Minister. The crucial issue was every sense, he had many charming that he brought about change in which he characteristics. He was great company, he was became First Minister in a partnership power- compassionate to those in need and, in public sharing Executive in this Building. The fact that life, he was a colossus. His personal charisma he did so presented us, as others have said, was key to his success, and he had an easy with the opportunities and the challenges that ability to relate to all in all walks of life. That we face in the difficult circumstances we are in ability, which he had in abundance, was today. If we are going to pay any respect to Ian remarkable to observe, and it induced in many, Paisley's legacy, it would not just be in the of course, an unshakeable loyalty towards him. words that we utter in the Chamber today but in a firm commitment to build on the agreements I would venture to say that Ian Paisley was the of 1998 and 2007 and embed power-sharing most charismatic politician that these islands devolved government in a way that ensures that produced in the 20th century. Yes, he could we, collectively, meet the needs of the people have sharp tongue, felt sometimes by friends as of Northern Ireland. well as foes. Yes, it was not always deployed judiciously, but, in his day, he was an orator in That, however, is a point for the future. Today, this land without equal. It made him into a let us remember the family burying their loved renowned parliamentarian who used those one and the loss that they in particular suffer. oratorical skills to great effect. In his prime, in this place and in the House of Commons, he Mr Allister: It is natural that, in this political was in a league of his own. In the pulpit, too, place, there should be a particular focus on the he was a prince of preachers, and many have highly significant and highly successful reason to be eternally grateful for his ministry politician that Ian Paisley was, but to those who there.

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It has been said, but it bears repetition: we will tribute to him today, particularly those in the not see the like of him again. positions of highest responsibility — and it was noticeable that the First Minister and deputy Mr Agnew: Ian Paisley had many titles over the First Minister spoke with such fondness towards years, the most recent one being, "The Lord the man — to do everything in their power to Bannside". He was a councillor, an MLA, an make these institutions work for peace in MP and a Member of the European Parliament, Northern Ireland and for the betterment of our and he had the titles "Reverend" and "Doctor" citizens. in front of his name. However, when we get to sickness and, ultimately, death, all those titles On behalf of myself and the Green Party in strip away. The status that they proclaim on us Northern Ireland, I would like to extend deepest can mean very little, and we are left with a condolences to the Paisley family, to his friends human being who is vulnerable to life's final and to all of his many, many well-wishers. conclusion. That is important to remember on the death of a public figure. We should Mr McNarry: On behalf of Nigel Farage and remember the vulnerability of the family and the myself, I extend condolences to Baroness difficulties that they face. Paisley and the family circle. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, of course. It was with much regret that I witnessed some of the comment on and reaction to the death of We are gathered to pay tribute to Ian Paisley as Margaret Thatcher. When public figures or our former First Minister. This is a time for politicians retire, that is the time to reflect on respect, so let us face it and be honest that, their political career and to pass comment and without Ian Paisley saying yes and embracing judgement. Today, we mourn the death of a power-sharing, this Assembly would not be human being and remember him as a person here today nor would we be in a position to more so than various roles that he played in his make this tribute. I suspect that listening to us life. right now — some sworn enemies, some hypocrites and some in genuine grief and I make the comparison with Margaret Thatcher, despair — the “Doc" would be having a good and it is an apt one, because both had a huge chuckle. His sense of humour, certainly for me, impact on our politics. Although he had a took us through many traumas. particular impact in Northern Ireland, there is no doubt that Ian Paisley's importance went well He shocked outsiders and insiders when he led beyond this Province. Both equally divided the DUP into power-sharing with republicans. It opinion and provoked a strong reaction in was an amazing time and an amazing day people. As I said, the time of someone's death when he made that decision. Some concluded is a time to moderate our reactions and be then disappointment in him. Well, I did not. respectful to the memory of the person and to How could you be disappointed when he took the grieving family, friends and wider circle. on, and took over, the groundwork cleared out painfully and to the cost of others before him, I have heard it asked many times over the past which culminated in him walking into office as few days, "What will history conclude? What First Minister? I would like to think that, whilst will the final analysis be on Ian Paisley? What the issue was the same for any unionist and will be his legacy?" To come back to what Mr therefore fraught with complexities, the solution Robinson said, in a short speech you could not in the end proved to be relatively simple. sum up Ian Paisley, and I do not think that Ultimately, he chose what he thought was good history will ever become able to reconcile a for the people and best for the country, and it is standard narrative on his impact on the politics in that context that I pay tribute to him. of Northern Ireland and beyond. He was too significant and complex a man to be distilled So, I say respectfully: thanks, "Doc". The into such an easy conclusion. "never" moved towards a "maybe" and turned into a "yes". It was a yes to work in progress, a 12.45 pm yes to move forward, and a yes to ensuring Northern Ireland's continued Britishness. Our However, if, as many have suggested, his job from here on is to hold that line and do what legacy is to be that we have these Assembly we think is best for our country. Rest in peace, Dr Paisley, and thank you for your time in office. institutions and that he was a significant, if not the final, piece in getting stable politics in Northern Ireland, and if that indeed is to be how Mr B McCrea: I offer my sincere condolences we finally assess the contribution of Ian Paisley, to Ian Paisley's family. As Mr Agnew then it is incumbent on all those who rise to pay acknowledged earlier, it is sometimes difficult

7 Monday 15 September 2014 with events like this to separate the personal my sincere sympathy at this time to Baroness loss from the political legacy. Paisley; to his sons Kyle and Ian; to Cherith, Rhonda and Sharon; and to his brother, Harold, I will just say — I say it advisedly — that I liked and sister, Margaret. They will miss him the Ian Paisley. I got talking to him towards the end most. of his political career. I did not always like Ian Paisley. I did not always agree with him. In It is at times like this that you start to reflect on fact, if I am really honest, almost all of my when you first met the person who has passed political awareness since I was growing up was away. I can very vividly remember that against what Ian Paisley was talking about. I experience, and it was quite an experience. I did not accept his argument, and I was was but a stripling. I remember my first disappointed in the way that he used his talent. encounter with him, and he was everything in But such was the wonder of the man that, when stature that I was not. I felt so very insignificant you got talking him and got that sense of in his presence. It goes back to August 1964. I humour and interaction, all things appeared to was a boy at school then. I was not at primary be possible. I perhaps did not know him school, but it seemed as if I was as I stood politically in the way that everybody else here in there that day. Dr Paisley had a great passion this room will have done. I only saw him for the lost and the perishing, and he had come towards the end of his career, when perhaps he to conduct a gospel mission in a place called was not the orator that he had been earlier, but Laghey, Killyman. For those of you who do not he still retained that sense of humanity and that know where it is, it lies about two and a half willingness to have a wry smile with you that miles south-west of Dungannon town. smoothed the way on a lot of issues. I remember that first encounter so vividly that I I acknowledge that his commitment to his family will never ever forget it, and he left a mark on and his faith is unquestioned. I know some of me that I will never forget either. When I stood his family quite well. They, too, are there that day as but a boy, and a very small personalities, and they, too, will have a boy and very small in a whole lot of ways, contribution to make in the coming years. They because I was standing beside a giant — those are a powerful legacy for this place. My of us who are not over six feet and who stand message to them is that we are absolutely at beside someone who is well over that do look one with their loss. It is the loss of someone and feel very small, and that is how I felt that very special. I hope that they use their talent to day — I was struck right away that that man move forward and bring this place to a better with the big booming voice and a big heart — place. he had a big heart — had a love and compassion for everyone, irrespective of who It is one thing to have great oratorial skills and they were. That was my first and lasting the great ability to get people to follow you; it is impression of Dr Ian Paisley or, as he is today, a different thing to get them to follow you in the Lord Bannside. right direction. Dr Paisley was challenging, inspirational, I will conclude on this message by saying that, persuasive, direct and sincere in everything that yes, no one can say other than that Ian Paisley he put his hand to. I am doubtful whether there dominated politics in Northern Ireland for 40 was anyone who had a greater love for his years or longer. Of course he did, and he will country than Ian Paisley. He was a colossus — have a legacy, but I hope that that legacy is a that word has been used often — on the Northern Ireland that is at peace with itself and political landscape. Whether you agreed with is able to build a future and to show that it is OK him or not, you could not ignore him. I suspect to make friends with people who you once that even his political opponents today would thought were your enemy. I do not agree with acknowledge that he could not be ignored. some of the assertions that are put forward in the Chamber that that is a bad thing. The mark He was, of course, a man with tremendous of a man — a big man — is the ability to faith, passion and zeal unequalled. I learned change your mind, and we witness today the many valuable lessons — enduring lessons — passing of a great man and a big man. that have stayed with me to this day. I listened to one of my party colleagues today who had Lord Morrow: The name of Ian Paisley is been asked whether he had ever been known in different tones. Those of who know admonished by Dr Paisley. Well, I must have him affectionately knew him as the "Big Man". been a good boy, because I cannot recall ever Some know him as Lord Bannside, some as the being admonished by him, but I vividly recall Reverend Ian Paisley and some, of course, as being in the room — I am not talking about the "Doc". Right at the outset, I want to extend Stormont here — when others were, and I just

8 Monday 15 September 2014 thank God that I was not that person. However, I never felt his tongue as Lord Morrow when that was all over, it was over, and he mentioned earlier. He was courteous at all moved on to other things. times, including during some very fraught Executive debates that he jointly chaired with I counted it a great honour and privilege that, Martin McGuinness. There were fraught when Dr Paisley was elevated to the House of debates on a wide range of issues, and Lords, I was asked to be one of his co-sponsors education was one of the issues in the eye of along with Lady Boothroyd. I will always hold it the storm at that time. I remember coming out dear that he thought me worthy to be one of his of one Executive meeting and ending up in the co-sponsors on the day that he was elevated to middle of Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson, just the House of Lords. because of the way that we had all walked out of the room. Afterwards, I drove to Mayo to see Again, I want to say how sorry we are as a my mother, who was not well. I got some stick party. As an individual and, speaking for my in Mayo after the media reports of that. wife and family, we miss him the most. Northern Ireland and politics somehow will not What I admire about Ian Paisley is the role that be the same without him. he played in helping to create a peace process. From the first day that he came out in support Mr Principal Deputy Speaker: I ask Members of power-sharing, he did not resile from it. I who wish to contribute to rise in their places in was privileged to be a member of the Sinn Féin the usual way, because we are not sure of the team at the first meeting with the DUP here in completeness of the list of names that has been Stormont. From that day on, I watched him. subscribed. In order to get as many in as He had made a judgement: it was the right possible — we have just over half an hour — I thing to do and he stuck with it. He was not in it ask Members to confine their remarks to three half-heartedly. He did not jump in and out of it. minutes. He was involved in all aspects. He was equally gregarious at North/South meetings — I Ms Ruane: Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh- remember him in Dublin, Dundalk and various LeasCheann Comhairle. Tá muid ag other places — and British-Irish Council smaoineamh inniu ar chlann Paisley, Baroness meetings. I admire the leadership that he Paisley, an cúigear páistí agus na garpháistí. showed in the peace process. At times, it could Our thoughts today are with Baroness Paisley, not have been easy, and it obviously was not her five children and her grandchildren. Bhí easy for him. All of us together created our saol lán agus fada ag an Uasal Paisley. peace process, and the peace process has changed us all. Rinne Ian Paisley a lán oibre ar Across Ireland, people have had a very wide son phróiseas na síochána. range of views about Mr Ian Paisley during the 88 years of his long life. I can say without fear My daughter is moving on to another phase of or favour that our First Minister has made a her life — she is leaving home to go to study — contribution to history, and history will obviously but she came here at 11 years of age, and, analyse that and judge that; today is not a day without my knowing, went up to Ian Paisley and for that. asked for his autograph, which she got. She has come by a lot of different things throughout I want to focus today on my dealings with Rev her life and does not keep them all, but when Ian Paisley during my time on the Executive. we were clearing out her room, up on her We had very different views on a wide range of noticeboard was Ian Paisley's autograph. I issues. I was a feminist — I do not think that think that that is testament to the role that he Ian Paisley ever named himself as a feminist — has played in our peace process. She, like me, and I was a supporter of equality in education is a feminist and is very progressive on a wide and the abolition of the 11-plus. Mr Paisley had range of issues, but she admired what Ian different views, although I often wondered Paisley did for the peace process at an instinctive level. whether he was a secret supporter of getting rid of the 11-plus. Mr Campbell: I join others in offering my We also had very different views on equality for sympathy to the Paisley family today. Of course, our best wishes go to the Speaker as the LGBT community, but, at all times, he treated me with the utmost courtesy and well as he recovers in hospital. respect. My mind is drawn to one of the first times that I heard of Ian Paisley, way back in the late 1960s, when the Troubles were afflicting our 1.00 pm Province. I had heard that he was to speak at a meeting in Limavady Town Hall. I, in my

9 Monday 15 September 2014 naivety as a young teenager, thought that this whose presence filled the room. It was a was a political meeting, even though it was on a privilege for me to know him not only as my MP Sunday afternoon. I went along to hear about and moderator for over 40 years but as a friend how Ulster's ills could be remedied. I did hear and someone with whom I shared many of a remedy, but it was not a remedy for political occasions and of whom I have many, many ills. The remedy was that someone like me, precious memories. I will always be proud to who was born in sin, could find a saviour. That be called a Paisleyite. is what he preached unequivocally and clearly that day. My first recollection of Dr Paisley was of him coming to canvass in my home village of Armoy I got to know him much better in the years that in the heart of his North Antrim constituency. followed. I remember when, in 1984, the INLA My father, a local founder member of the planted a car bomb to try to destroy me, my Protestant Unionist Party, which ultimately wife and my family. became the DUP, went to canvass with him around the doors of the village of Armoy. For Of course, that was in the days before mobile our family, that was a special day — the day the phones. We had to go to another home, "Big Man" came to visit our home. Little did I because ours was sealed off as the army think that, one day, I would have a greater disposal officers tried to deal with the device privilege: that of standing alongside Dr Paisley under our car. Ian Paisley sought out where I in the same elections and on the same ballot was and phoned me to pray and to assure me paper, representing the same North Antrim of his support in the midst of the deepest constituency he loved and served faithfully. trauma. He married Christine and me some 26 years A few years ago, when a member of my family ago. To have him share that special day in our was nearing the end and I was in hospital, the lives was indeed an honour. When I was phone rang. It was Ian Paisley on the end of ordained to serve as an elder in Ballymoney the phone. He was a man of compassion, a Free Presbyterian Church, he was there to be preacher and a politician. He was a man who our support and to be by our side. When my did not broach subjects with any stealth; late mother passed away in 2000, as Gregory whatever it was, he was full on. I have read and thousands of families in Northern Ireland some attempts to rewrite history over the past have recounted, although out of the country, he few days, and we shall deal with those in the called our home and spoke and prayed with my next few days. He was very clear in his life and father and me over the phone. Indeed, it was his ministry: error had to be exposed, and through the faithful preaching of Dr Paisley that enemies had to be opposed. That was his life; my late mother came to a saving faith in Jesus that was what he knew he had to do. Once it Christ. What a reunion there has been for them came to the point in his life where some of his in glory. enemies realised that they could not bomb or blast his people, he was prepared to be as Dr Paisley was a faithful political representative assertive in his magnanimity as he was in his for the people of North Antrim in Westminster opposition. Once he reached that point, he was and Stormont for over 40 years. The thumping prepared to go forward. People learned that, if majorities that he achieved in each election are you kept asking Ian Paisley the wrong question, testament to his devotion to public service and you got the wrong answer. That is why they got the popularity with his people. Since the sad the word "no" all the time. However, when they news broke of Dr Paisley's death, I have met asked the right question, they got the right countless constituents over the weekend from answer. throughout the area who have told me personal accounts of how he had helped them and their When we come to the point that we all reach of family in their circumstances with their crossing the Jordan, we need to know that Ian problems. No case was ever too small for Dr Paisley's saviour is our saviour, too. I know Paisley to deal with. His constituents mattered that, in the corridors of glory today, there is to him, and his dedication to duty was singing a bit louder and shouting a bit louder unwavering. He served the people of North than there was on Thursday. Antrim and Northern Ireland with fairness and diligence and without fear or favour in every Mr Storey: It is with a great sense of personal forum to which he was elected. loss and sadness that I stand in the House today. There will never be another of the There may be one inaccuracy that I feel is stature of Ian Paisley either in Church or in necessary to set right in the House this state. To me, he will always be the "Doc" and afternoon. Yes, he founded the DUP and the the "Big Man" — that larger-than-life figure Free Presbyterian Church, but he was not the

10 Monday 15 September 2014 founder of the Independent Orange Institution. could find forgiveness through the Lord Jesus He was born in 1926; that institution was Christ, and he wanted to spread that gospel, founded in 1903. I have no doubt that today, in irrespective of who it was. My father first stood glory with the late George Dawson and James with Ian Paisley in 1969 as a Protestant McClure, colleagues who loved him, they will Unionist, and he entered this Chamber in 1973 have had a reunion to recall those days of the in the old Northern Ireland Assembly. He past. He was made a freeman of the borough walked in with him, and he was carried out with of Ballymoney, the first local authority to confer him. I then had the privilege of walking in with that honour on him, in 2001 because in that him in 1998 and of being with him right through town they loved him. The resolve that they had until he retired in 2008. The more I got to know for him is resounding. Ian Paisley, the more I liked the man. That is not a trait that always happens. He was more In conclusion, I want to extend to Baroness than a colleague. He was caring, he was kind Paisley and, in particular, to my close friend and and he was wise. He could be quite crafty. For colleague Ian Paisley Jr and to the entire family me, he was a friend, a brother and a mentor, circle, including Mrs Beggs and his brother, but most of all he was a spiritual father. I had Harold, in Canada, my sincere sympathy at the the opportunity of spending time with the family loss of a great man of God. Let us ever be yesterday. As we recalled stories, we laughed mindful of the words of scripture that tell us in and considered various things. We mourned, Psalm 116: and we wept.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the 1.15 pm death of His saints." As we gather today to remember Ian Paisley, Mr Poots: First, I wish well the Speaker and we owe it to him and to future generations to Minister Kennedy, who are unwell at this time. carry through the work that he has done and to The greatest tribute to Ian Paisley will not be in ensure that it is not undone. He wanted peace the eloquent speeches of people in this in our land and peace in people's hearts. There Chamber or, indeed, in the well-crafted words is a great work still to be done, and it is our duty of Prime Ministers or statesmen. The greatest to do it. tribute to Ian Paisley will be those simple tributes that will come and have come from Mr Wells: We have heard many eloquent many men and women over the weekend that words here today. I just want to focus on the they came to a saving knowledge of the Lord enormous energy of Dr Paisley. I worked for Jesus Christ through hearing the preaching of the DUP between 1981 and 1985, and I well Ian Paisley. I had the privilege from being a remember one Friday evening when Dr Paisley very young boy of hearing that preaching. He rang me up and said, "Brother Wells, I want to spoke with fire and fervour, with passion and see you at Aldergrove airport at six o'clock". I compassion and with power and conviction, and said to Dr Paisley, "That is fine. I will have a lie- his impact was felt right across Northern Ireland in, have an early lunch and see you at but well beyond Northern Ireland. My sister Aldergrove at six". He said, "At six o'clock this was one of those who came to a saving morning". I also knew that he was speaking at knowledge of Jesus Christ through his a DUP dinner in Kesh and that Rev William preaching. She ended up taking the gospel to McCrea was singing. In those days, the Rev the people in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. McCrea had a habit of gathering us all around In Brazil, many lepers were healed as a result the piano after an event and singing until the of the work of Bill Woods, who went out there small hours, and that, indeed, is what on the support of Ian Paisley and many others. happened. We sang until 1.00 am, I caught the People in the slums of Manila, and people in plane at 6.00 am, and Dr Paisley spoke at an the mountains of Nepal. That was the spread Orange parade in Glasgow. He then came of the man. It was not just Northern Ireland but back, picked up his car and was driven to has been a worldwide spread. Locally, many a Londonderry to open a new Free church there. drunkard, a gambler and a wife-beater sought He then came back that night and spoke to the Jesus Christ after hearing the preaching of Ian prisoners in Crumlin Road prison. He had four Paisley, which made a remarkable difference to services on the Sunday, and he bounced into families. the office on Monday morning as bright as a daisy. I was absolutely exhausted, and all I had He looked on his political opponents as people done was follow him. who could be redeemed because he knew that the apostle Paul was a man who called himself That was the type of man that Dr Paisley was. the greatest sinner and was actually involved in He had the most enormous energy. No one the killing of people. He knew that anybody

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can understand how anyone could work as hard I grew up with Dr Paisley as a childhood hero. as Dr Paisley. He often joked and said that he Some might say, "That's sad. Why would you had a day's work done before most men were have a politician as a hero?", but he was much out of their bed, and I can confirm that that is more than a politician. For many people in true. He never seemed to sleep. He would North Antrim and Ballymena, he was their hero. regularly ring you at 1.00 am or 2.00 am asking That is because he served them and helped for something to be done. them. In his constituency work, he got the mould and broke it, and he set a new standard I also saw the spiritual side of Dr Paisley. I was that no one from that day to now has ever had in Rathfriland campaigning, and he heard that the energy, the passion or the compassion to someone who admired him greatly but was not match. All in this room can try, but I doubt that a member of his Church was facing the valley any of us will be able to match that energy, of the shadow of death and was about to pass work rate and commitment to the people, not away from cancer. He dropped everything and only of North Antrim but of Northern Ireland, went to that house. I will never forget the when he served them in Westminster, Europe comfort, succour and support he gave to that and this House. family. No one could handle that type of situation better than Dr Paisley. While He was also a family man, and not only in the thousands of people from Northern Ireland will true sense of the word. Around these Benches bless the day that they attended a mission or today, he created a family that worked service at which Dr Paisley preached, there are tirelessly, followed him, tried to be like him, tried many other thousands whom we will not hear to work like him and tried to have the energy about who have passed through into death with like his. If there is anything that we around comfort and support from Dr Paisley. No one these Benches can do today and for ever more, could do that better. it is to try to match that energy and commitment. That will be our lasting tribute to I have so many memories over the last 40 the person that we know affectionately as years. Northern Ireland, Ulster, the United "Doc". Kingdom and Ireland are much poorer places for his passing. There will never be another Ian Mr Principal Deputy Speaker: Before I call the Paisley. Even if Ian Paisley had been nothing next Member to speak, I want to point out that more than a carpenter or a plumber, he would some Members who have taken the trouble to have been well known in his community, but he put their name down are not going to be called, was so much more. I will find it an enormous because we are simply going to run out of time. privilege to tell my grandchildren that I knew Ian So, I ask people to respect the three-minute Paisley. I think that it is a great honour to be rule or possibly even curtail their remarks to able to say that. give other colleagues an opportunity to speak.

Mr Frew: I rise with great sadness on this Mr Bell: It is a privilege to pay tribute to Rev Dr historic day in the Chamber. I can boast that I Ian Richard Kyle Paisley, Lord Bannside. I am younger than most people who have know with certainty that Ian has already heard spoken here today. My first recollection of the the greatest of all tributes because he has great man Paisley was in the early 1980s when already heard the: I was young boy on a tricycle, or at least on a bike with stabilisers. When Paisley came to "Well done, good and faithful servant". visit a household, or even just to canvass, he would have had an entourage that no one else So, on this day that this great son of Ulster is could match. When Dr Paisley was in your laid to rest, we return our thanks to God, as Ian street or your area, you knew about it and so would want us to do, because he always put did that community. That community would God first in his life, for the love that sought him, have congregated around that street or house the blood that bought him and the grace that to catch even a glimpse of the great man or to brought him to the fold, and how faithfully he say hello to him. That is why none of us here preached Christ crucified. To be alongside Ian could ever compare to the man who was Dr was to know and understand that Christ was his Paisley. strength and Christ was his might. The fire of the Reformation burned strongly in Dr Paisley, Many things have been said here about Dr and he embodied in that hymn something that Paisley and many things were written about him we should all dedicate ourselves to — that faith throughout his life, but I would like to of our fathers, the holy faith that he was true to concentrate on Dr Paisley the servant, because until death. that is what Dr Paisley was, first and foremost.

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He was an amazingly well-read man and a to dedicate me as a young boy. I suppose that powerful orator. I do not need to pay tribute to it came as no surprise that if there were ever to his strengths as a politician. Long ago, he be a firstborn boy in our house, he would surely entered into the pantheon of great unionist be christened after Ian Paisley. He always told leaders. I can remember him telling me how me how proud he was that I carried on that difficult it was when Eileen confined him to name. bringing 3,000 of his favourite books to their new home, because he had just short of 34,000 Over the years, my dad — and it is good to see to choose from. He was a man of great humour him here today — has had a very close bond and pastor's heart. As a student, I remember with Dr Paisley. He shared the pulpit with him. coming back to his house one night with a As a teenager, he was an assistant to him in Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket after putting up Belfast. He was a colleague in the ministry for posters at midnight in Belfast city centre. He well over 40 years. He shared the Benches of came in from whatever meeting he had been at Parliament at Westminster and here with Dr and sat down with us at his kitchen table, where Paisley. Indeed, he also shared a prison cell he filled a pint glass full of ice cubes to the brim with him in Crumlin Road Gaol. I am not sure with red Shloer and sat and joked with us until that too many people can say all that. the early hours of the morning. We got up the next day just short of lunchtime to learn that Dr Growing up as a boy, I have many memories of Paisley had been outside the shipyard in east Dr Paisley coming to our home. I suppose that, Belfast at half six in the morning campaigning as one of five, I always claimed that I was his for the European election. He was an orator of favourite. Mind you, that must have been excellence. He could politically face down the because of the fact that he always sent home a worst evils of terrorism and still rejoice in his gift from Westminster with dad for me now and faith. again that the others did not get. So, there may be some truth in it. I will hold fast to that I will conclude now, Mr Principal Deputy anyway. Speaker, having heard your words. How do you ever finish a tribute to Ian? Ian always I have numerous memories of Dr Paisley. I will quoted Ephesians chapter 6, verses 19 and 20. always cherish them. We will all have our own I thought of that. Today, however, as the Rev memories. Whether it was his coming to William McCrea would have sung with him, Magherafelt to open the loyalist arch, the time "There are no wreaths of death on Doc's he spent in our home, his preaching at dad's mansion door. Teardrops are not welcome church or indeed at the Easter convention at beyond the gates of glory because that heart the Martyrs Memorial or when he was here at will never break any more." The Paisley family Stormont, Dr Paisley always took the time to held "Doc's" hand right up until Friday afternoon ask how things were with me and my family. and cared for him so well until a higher hand He always had a genuine interest and showed came and took his other hand to bring him that he cared. home. I will finish with the words of the doxology — no pun intended: Since hearing of Dr Paisley's passing, I have been overwhelmed by the number of "How great is the God we adore, constituents and others who have approached Our faithful, unchangeable Friend; me to express their sympathy. I want to ensure Whose love is as great as his power, that the family are aware of that today. And neither knows measure nor end. There will never be another Dr Paisley in my 'Tis Jesus, the First and the Last, lifetime. He was a giant both in the political Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home; world and as a minister of the gospel. I believe We'll praise him for all that is past, that Ian Paisley was God's man for Ulster's And trust him for all that's to come." hour of need.

Mr I McCrea: First, on behalf of my entire Dr Paisley will be greatly missed. His seat is family circle, I offer our sincerest sympathies to now empty but many of us will carry his Baroness Paisley and her family on the passing memory in our hearts. He loved this Province. of their loved one and our friend Lord Bannside, He always gave hope in the darkest day. He or as others have said and as he was brought comfort to many over the years, affectionately known to us, the "Doc". especially those whose lives were wrecked by terrorism. He stood up for the rights of the I have had the honour of knowing Dr Paisley all ordinary man. He was a true Ulsterman. of my life. In fact, although I do not recall it, Through his leadership, he has left a legacy of when I was a child, he came to my dad's church hope for generations to come.

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In conclusion, I just want to recall the hymn that I think that I have said enough. Dr Paisley has he always sang at the closing of the Easter run his race. He has finished the course. He convention. It was: has kept the faith.

"Till we meet, till we meet, Mr Moutray: My first real-life experience of Dr Till we meet at Jesus' feet; Ian Paisley was in the early 1970s when he Till we meet, till we meet, came to speak at political open-air rallies in the God be with you till we meet again." Mourneview estate in Lurgan. I remember him speaking from a platform, which comprised an I thank God that, by his saving grace, I will meet open-top lorry, to a crowd of maybe some 500 Ian Paisley at Jesus' feet. people. Ian Paisley had a charisma that was lacking in unionism at that time. He appealed Mr Dunne: I, too, count it a great honour to to all sections of the unionist community, but stand today to pay tribute to Dr Paisley, whom I particularly to the working-class people, whom knew as my pastor and saw as a great leader he represented so well. My family background and friend. He was a family friend who was was not connected either politically or spiritually very close to my late father and mother. As with what Ian Paisley represented, but I many know, I was brought up in County admired the man from those days for his Fermanagh. My father and mother were great honesty, his forthrightness and his followers of Dr Paisley throughout the 1970s. determination, sometimes against all odds.

1.30 pm In later years, through political and church involvement, I got to know Dr Paisley well, and, indeed, his family. I found him to be a person Having moved to north Down, I got involved in of total integrity who was caring and politics there and was involved in many election compassionate. I remember being out on the campaigns. I remember the days in Bangor election trail with him. That in itself was an market. We had a famous lady from Bangor — experience. He always had time for the I am sure that a lot of you remember Beryl ordinary people on the street. Ian Paisley made Holland — who was a great friend and a tremendous impact on the life of this colleague of Dr Paisley's and, in many ways, Province. He was a force for good. I believe challenged him about how he carried out his that Ulster is a much better place today business. Those are just some of the people because of his contribution. who backed Dr Paisley in the early days. The important thing he had was the ability to link To Baroness Paisley, our colleague Ian and the with ordinary people. He always remembered rest of the family, I extend condolences from the ordinary person on the street. That is an myself, my wife and my family. Yet, even at important lesson for all of us today. this time of sadness, we are consoled to know that, as Philippians chapter 1, verse 23 says, he As a pastor in the Martyrs Memorial church, is: Paisley conducted our wedding, almost 30 years ago. He dedicated our three children and he was a faithful minister and pastor for over 60 "with Christ; which is far better". years. Mr Givan: Ephesians chapter 6, verses 19 and 20, say: I will remember him as a great leader; in Europe, in Westminster, in the Northern Ireland Assembly and as First Minister. He made very "And for me, that utterance may be given brave decisions, and I think that he made the unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, right decisions. I believe that the future of the to make known the mystery of the gospel, Assembly is secure because of Ian Paisley. For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to An example of the outpouring from the people speak." of the Province in respect of Dr Paisley happened on Friday. Shortly after the Those of us who have Dr Paisley's signature on announcement was made, a lady came straight our Bible, as I do on mine, will know that he to our office in Holywood with a card for Mrs always ascribed those texts with his name and Paisley. A Roman Catholic lady, she had that he lived out those verses in his life, in the rushed out and bought a card and brought it to pulpit and in politics. It is a privilege for me to our office to be passed on as a mark of respect. speak on this day as a tribute to him. Today, we have lost a son of Ulster. We have lost a mighty man of God.

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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.

He connected generations of my family in a special way and he made an impact upon thousands of people. I thank God for his ministry in the Martyrs Memorial. My wife, 16 years ago, at a youth rally, responded to his sermon and put her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as her own personal saviour. I and thousands of others followed Dr Paisley because he led us in a closer walk with God.

Today, our hearts are broken and we mourn with his family, but we are not without hope, because Dr Paisley is with the Lord. At church on Friday we sang that song, 'Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me', to which Dr Paisley penned a fifth verse. It states:

"Then above the world and sin, Thro' the veil, drawn right within, I shall see Him face to face, Sing the story, saved by grace, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me ever be with Thee."

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".

Mr Principal Deputy Speaker: That brings an end to the tributes to Lord Bannside. I ask the leaders of the political parties in the Chamber to join me in the Rotunda, where we will proceed to the opening and signing of the book of condolence. Members thereafter will be afforded the opportunity to sign it. The book of condolence will be available for users of this Building and staff until 3.00 pm, when it will then be open to the public.

Finally, I express my thanks and appreciation to all the Members for the sincerity of their comments and the conduct of this discussion on the life and times and contribution of Dr Ian Paisley. Thank you all very much.

Adjourned at 1.37 pm.

15

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