Paisley tributes pour in as Robinson favourite to succeed

Tributes have been pouring in for the North's First Minister Ian Paisley, who announced yesterday evening that he will be stepping aside in May.

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness said the DUP leader had changed the face of Irish politics forever by agreeing to share power with republicans.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has described the DUP leader as a giant of Irish history who worked tirelessly for his people and sincerely did what he believed in.

Elsewhere, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Mr Paisley was famous for saying "no", but would be remembered in Northern Irish history as the man who said "yes".

The focus will now switch to who will replace Mr Paisley as First Minister and leader of the DUP.

His deputy, Peter Robinson, is the early favourite as he has been the heir apparent for many years, with Nigel Dodds being tipped as deputy leader.