Paisley bids farewell for House of Commons

Former DUP leader Ian Paisley Snr made his farewell speech in the Commons tonight, insisting the North was “moving in the right direction”.

In an 11-minute valedictory speech, Mr Paisley wished for a time when the Troubles would be forgotten.

He also paid tribute to the North's people as “loving and caring”.

Peter Robinson, the current DUP leader, paid tribute to his predecessor’s “colourful career”, describing him as a “colossus” of Northern politics.

“His name will be remembered in history of Northern Ireland as one of the most influential figures in unionism,” Mr Robinson said.

“His leadership has been a major factor in bringing Northern Ireland through to the peaceful and stable society we are now enjoying.”

In a parliamentary career dating back to 1970, Mr Paisley often dominated debates on the North with feats of towering oratory.

Tonight he was in reflective mood however, before stepping down at the general election.

He said the day had come when the North must face the facts.

“There are people in Northern Ireland who have diverse religious convictions and diverse political convictions – but they can live together as neighbours,” he said.

“I am confident that with the good friendship that is in this House towards Northern Ireland that we will go forward and come to a day – I may not live to see it – when these Troubles will be forgotten.”

However, he acknowledged there were “deep wounds” still to overcome and insisted: “We won’t forget the price that was paid.”

Mr Paisley said: “Northern Ireland is moving in the right direction and this House needs to encourage it to go forward at this time.”

He welcomed the “good work” of various Northern Ireland Secretaries while admitting “some of them we would liked to have punched”.

In debate on parliamentary orders that will enable the creation of a Department for Justice in Northern Ireland, he added: “It doesn’t mean we have reached the end of the journey – far from it. But we are in the right way.”